Every game counts at this stage, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason berths come the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in almost every available game during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the potent offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.
Listening to him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly 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 wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback 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 scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.
