🔗 Share this article

Each contest matters at this stage, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of huge division clashes delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played almost each possible game during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.