🔗 Share this article Aaron Rodgers Sustains Playoff Hopes Alive, Yet Is It The Finish for the Chiefs? Highlights from NFL Week 14 Each game is crucial from here on in, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off positions come the end of the season. A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure. The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation A trio of massive division clashes did not disappoint. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference. Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season. In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather. The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture. Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs? Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years. In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost every available contest during his tenure. Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out. Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate. Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US? A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites. One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives. The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial attack. A key matchup could be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup. Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement? Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure. Hearing him state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats. "The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire. Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this year. He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons. Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next. Key Week 15 Games: Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams Packers @ Broncos Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs This Week's Statistical Highlights A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense. A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season. A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark. An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions. A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next. A reeling team saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.