🔗 Share this article

Each game counts from here on in, with several huge results in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two top contenders from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.