Each contest matters from here on in, with some enormous results in week 14 that may settle postseason positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each available game throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
