🔗 Share this article

Every game matters at this stage, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that might decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three critical divisional battles delivered.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has played nearly every possible game during his time.

So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related injury.