Every game is crucial from here on in, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be if the potent offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
