Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.
The result gave one side 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 Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has competed in almost every available contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be whether the potent offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he 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 season," he added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth 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 upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
