Each game matters from here on in, with some massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason berths by the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
Three critical rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has played almost every available contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed 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 Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question would be if the potent offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.
He is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.
