Every matchup counts from here on in, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has played nearly each available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
Two top teams from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
