Each contest counts down the stretch, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype
Three critical divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly each available contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.
The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.
He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
