🔗 Share this article

Each contest counts down the stretch, with some enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason spots by the end of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. This means the club has played nearly every available contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

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

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.