Each matchup matters down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that might decide play-off positions come the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The result handed one team a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has played almost every possible game during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo 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 return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 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 campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.
