Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his first rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the team has played nearly each possible game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
