Each contest matters from here on in, with some massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off positions by the end of the campaign.
A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations
Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close win in on the road. He notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.
The result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.
During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost each available contest throughout his time.
So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.
Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?
A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One team, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.
The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.
Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.
Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.
Major Upcoming Week Matchups:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
- A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
- A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.