Every game counts from here on in, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played nearly every possible game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.
