Every matchup counts from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that might settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.
