Each matchup matters from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that may determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype
Three critical rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close 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 wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.
The result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offense could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed 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 after this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
