Every contest is crucial from here on in, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that might settle play-off spots come the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly each available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.
