🔗 Share this article Rodgers Sustains Playoff Aspirations Afloat, But Could This Be The End for the Chiefs? Highlights from National Football League Week 14 Every matchup matters from here on in, with several enormous results in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason spots come the end of the campaign. A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure. Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation A trio of massive rivalry games delivered. Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor. The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season. Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather. The result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh. In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong 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 such for the franchise in a ten years. In Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has played nearly each available contest throughout his time. So, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing. Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall. Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US? A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites. One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions. The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial attack. The question would be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup. Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits? Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure. Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats. "He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could choose to retire. Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season. Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns. Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next. Key Week 15 Games: Buffalo Bills @ Patriots Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams Packers @ Broncos Chargers @ Chiefs This Week's Stats, Records & Notes A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense. A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving. A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark. An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions. A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week. A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.