🔗 Share this article

Every game counts at this stage, with several massive results in week 14 that could determine postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the club has played nearly each possible contest during his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.