Every contest matters down the stretch, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might decide play-off spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the team has played nearly each available game during his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question could be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
