Each game is crucial from here on in, with several enormous results in week 14 that may settle postseason spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing him say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
