Every contest is crucial from here on in, with some enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off spots come the end of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype
Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly every available game throughout his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three straight seasons.
Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.
