Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that may settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close win in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
