Every game matters from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might decide postseason berths by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost every available contest during his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.
Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.
