🔗 Share this article

Every game counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that could settle play-off spots by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the final day of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each available game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.