Every matchup counts at this stage, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has competed in almost each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense could solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down 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
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
