Each matchup matters from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost every possible contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing game.
A key matchup would be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in 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 following week.
- A struggling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
