Every contest is crucial at this stage, with a number of massive results in week 14 that may settle postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in on the road. He recorded his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly each possible game during his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.
