Each game counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that might determine play-off positions by 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 all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype
A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.
This outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible game during his time.
So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.
In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.
The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.
A key matchup could be if the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.
Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.
