Each game matters down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.
The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly every possible game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial game.
The question could be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
