🔗 Share this article

Every game counts from here on in, with some enormous results in week 14 that may decide postseason positions come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in on the road. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly each available game during his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be if the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ 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 scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.