🔗 Share this article

Every contest counts down the stretch, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback 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 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost every available contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

Two top contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.