Each game matters down the stretch, with several enormous results in week 14 that could settle play-off positions come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost every available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offence can solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
