🔗 Share this article

Every contest matters down the stretch, with several massive results in week 14 that might decide play-off spots come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each possible game during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.