🔗 Share this article Rodgers Sustains Playoff Dreams Afloat, But Could This Be The Conclusion for the Chiefs? Key Moments from NFL Week 14 Each contest counts from here on in, with several massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off positions by the end of the campaign. A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era. Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype. Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor. Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season. In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions. This result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture. In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs? Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years. In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible game during his time. Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out. Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall. Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West? A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites. One team, 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 quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives. The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional aerial attack. A key matchup could be whether the potent offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown. Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits? Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential departure. Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day. "The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away. Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season. He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons. Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday. Major Upcoming Week Games: Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots Lions @ Los Angeles Rams Packers @ Broncos Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense. A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season. A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark. An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions. A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next. A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.