Each game counts at this stage, with several huge results in week 14 that may decide play-off berths by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close success in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
In his 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.
The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
