Every game counts from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He scored his first running score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This result handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played almost every possible game during his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense could solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
