🔗 Share this article

Each contest counts from here on in, with several huge results in week 14 that might decide play-off berths come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC'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% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost every available game throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.