Each game is crucial from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
Three massive rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close win in on the road. He scored his first rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.
One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.
Listening to him state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.
