Every game matters from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close success in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every available contest during his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
