🔗 Share this article

Every contest counts down the stretch, with some huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in almost every possible game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing game.

The question would be whether the potent offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

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

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.