Each contest is crucial down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that may determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
Three critical division clashes lived up to the hype.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship contention.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing game.
A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.
Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A star wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.
