🔗 Share this article

Each game counts from here on in, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that might settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost each available game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.