Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with some huge results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every available game during his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite aerial game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
