🔗 Share this article

Every game matters down the stretch, with some enormous results in week 14 that may settle postseason berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost each available game during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.

One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.

He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.