🔗 Share this article

Every game counts down the stretch, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide play-off positions come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical division clashes delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. He recorded his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played nearly every possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing attack.

The question would be whether the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.