Each game matters from here on in, with some massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played almost each possible contest during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be if the potent offence can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
