Every game is crucial from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason positions come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three critical divisional battles delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome handed one side a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost every available game during his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.
