Each contest counts at this stage, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that might settle postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three critical rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost each available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing attack.
The question would be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
