🔗 Share this article

Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that may settle postseason spots come the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of huge division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough close win in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.