Each matchup counts down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close success in Baltimore. He notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every possible game during his tenure.
So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.
One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.
The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.
The question could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.
Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.
"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.
He is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Denver Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.
