🔗 Share this article

Every game counts at this stage, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off positions by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played nearly every available contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

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

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing game.

A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.