Each game counts down the stretch, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason spots by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation
A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the club has played almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.
The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.
Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely 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 after this season," he continued. Should the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
