Each contest counts from here on in, with some massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly each available contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
The question would be if the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.
