🔗 Share this article

Every game matters down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that could settle play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

This result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every possible contest during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.