Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason positions by the end of the season.
A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.
The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations
Three huge divisional battles delivered.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.
The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.
In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost each available contest throughout his tenure.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players missing.
Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?
Two top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.
One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite passing game.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.
"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.
Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.
Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 straight seasons.
Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
- An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
- A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.
