Every contest counts down the stretch, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.
Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.
Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.
In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.
The result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.
Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.
In his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has played nearly each possible contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.
Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.
A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.
The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
The question would be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.
Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.
The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.
He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.
Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.
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