Every game counts at this stage, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off spots come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost every available game throughout his time.
So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
