Each game counts down the stretch, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly each available game throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
