Week 14 in the NFL has come and gone. Here is one takeaway, thing we have learned, or observed about every AFC team.
Chiefs
Kansas City won their ninth straight division title, but not without a little suspense. Matthew Wright’s last-second kick “doinked” off the goal post and went in for the Chiefs’ victory. Isiah Pacheco led the Chiefs with 55 yards rushing, but it was the Chiefs defense that really was the key, pressuring Herbert all game long.
Raiders
Quarterback Aiden O’Connell left the game with an injured knee and was taken off in a cart. The injury looks to be season-ending. Brock Bowers had three receptions, which gives him the most rookie tight end receptions of all time—and there are still four games to go.
Bengals
The Bengals offense is one of the best in the NFL, thanks to Burrow and company, but it seems like they invested too much money in it and forgot that they need a defense, too. The defense played okay against the Cowboys on MNF but were lucky to win. It shouldn’t have been so difficult, considering that they were facing a backup QB and an offensive line that had three backup players on it.
Jaguars
In a defensive battle of two inept offenses, Jacksonville was led by Tank Bigsby who had 55 yards rushing and a touchdown. Bigsby played well earlier in the season before he got injured, but he outcarried Travis Etienne 18 to 4, showing that the Jaguars prefer to give Tank the football, especially in close games.
Bills
Josh Allen made history on Sunday by throwing for 3 TDs as well as running for 3 TDs. Sadly, his great day could not help the team to a victory on the road against the Rams. The Bills RBs only had six carries as the Rams got out to an early lead, and Buffalo was never able to settle into their ball-control offense. On a bright note, Amaro Cooper had his best game as a Bill going for 95 yards receiving.
Steelers
Standout Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was declared inactive with a hamstring injury right before kickoff so it was not surprising to see the Steelers rely on their running game, which had 120 yards on 35 carries. Najee Harris had 53 yards and a touchdown. Pat Freiermuth had 48 yards and a touchdown and is someone to watch as the Steelers need a second receiver to emerge.
Titans
If the Titans want to win they need to surround their skill players with a better quarterback. Will Levis is young but he’s still not showing the skills necessary for a starting quarterback. Almost every quarterback has had a career day against Jacksonville’s defense, and Levis could only muster 168 yards passing.
Jets
Aaron Rodgers had his first 300-yard game of the season, throwing for 339 yards and a touchdown. Garrett Wilson led the Jets with 114 yards, and Davante Adams also had 109 yards and a touchdown. Isaiah Davis surprisingly played better than Braelon Allen, running for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Chargers
If you were wondering how important Ladd McConkey is to the Chargers offense, think no more. The Chargers were held scoreless in the first half as Justin Herbert struggled to find his other receivers. Will Dissly got injured right before halftime and backup Stone Smartt came in and provided the team with a needed spark. The Chargers need McConkey back to make sure they make the playoffs.
Browns
Jameis Winston couldn’t produce more magic this week as the Browns offense sputtered against a very aggressive Pittsburgh defense which had three sacks and two interceptions. Winston did connect with Jerry Jeudy on a touchdown, but they really miss Cedric Tillman, who was out once again with a concussion.
Dolphins
Jonnu Smith did not have a catch during regulation time, but in overtime, he had three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown to help Miami pull off the come-from-behind win. Tyreek Hill had 115 yards receiving and a touchdown to help Miami keep their faint playoff hopes alive.