Rodgers Sustains Playoff Aspirations Breathing, But Could This Be The End for the Chiefs? Key Moments from National Football League Week 14
Every game matters from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation
A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.
Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.
Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.
Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.
The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?
Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.
In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.
So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?
Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.
One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.
The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.
A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.
Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.
Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate
The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.
Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.
Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Major Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
- A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
- An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
- A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
- A reeling team saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.