Each game matters from here on in, with some huge results in week 14 that may decide play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in almost every possible game throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.
