Each game matters down the stretch, with some enormous results in week 14 that could settle play-off berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost each available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this season.
Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
