🔗 Share this article

Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each available contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.