Each game counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost every possible game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the potent offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he added. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.
He is the first player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
