🔗 Share this article

Each game matters at this stage, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that could determine play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.