Each matchup is crucial down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that may determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
A trio of critical division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.
The outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every available game throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.
The question would be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.
Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
- An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.
