Each contest matters from here on in, with some massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... 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.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
