Every contest is crucial from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 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 receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has played almost each available contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.
