🔗 Share this article

Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason spots by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

The result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models 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 for the franchise in a decade.

In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played nearly each available contest during his time.

So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing game.

The question would be if the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.