Each matchup counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he added. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
- An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.
