🔗 Share this article

Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason positions come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three massive divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in almost every available contest throughout his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.

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

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.