🔗 Share this article

Every contest counts at this stage, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a late score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent 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 for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the club has played almost each available game throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.