Each matchup counts from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that may determine postseason berths by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three critical division clashes did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost each available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?
A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.
One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.
The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.
