Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly each available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. He threw three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- 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 scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
