Every contest is crucial from here on in, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played nearly each available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.
