Every game counts down the stretch, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly every available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
