Rodgers Sustains Playoff Hopes Breathing, But Is It The Finish for the Chiefs? Highlights from NFL the Fourteenth Week

Every matchup matters down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that might decide postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close win in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost every available game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing 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," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.