Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that might settle play-off spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype
A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign 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 Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
