Every matchup counts at this stage, with some enormous results in week 14 that may settle play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close win in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
