Each game is crucial down the stretch, with some enormous conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations
A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two franchises will meet once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.
The result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost each possible contest during his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.
The question would be if the potent offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.
He is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay 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 year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.
