Each matchup counts down the stretch, with some enormous conclusions in week 14 that might determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
A trio of massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost each possible game throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
