Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that may settle postseason berths by the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical division clashes delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.
