🔗 Share this article

Each game is crucial at this stage, with some enormous results in week 14 that could decide play-off spots by the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of huge division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly each possible contest during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite passing game.

The question would be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.