🔗 Share this article

Every matchup counts at this stage, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that could decide play-off positions come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three massive divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These franchises will meet again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this season.

He is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.