Each game counts from here on in, with a number of enormous results in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
The result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost each possible contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
