Every contest counts down the stretch, with several massive results in week 14 that may decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
This result handed one side a slender lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in almost every possible game during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly 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," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
