Each matchup counts down the stretch, with some huge results in week 14 that might determine play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.
This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.
So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite passing attack.
The question could be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.
