🔗 Share this article Aaron Rodgers Keeps Playoff Dreams Breathing, But Could This Be The Finish for the Chiefs? Key Moments from NFL the Fourteenth Week Each contest is crucial at this stage, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the year. A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure. The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation A trio of huge rivalry games delivered. Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor. The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. These franchises will meet once more on the final day of the regular season. Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions. This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture. Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs? Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade. In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly every available game throughout his tenure. So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out. Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall. Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West? A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites. One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives. The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite passing game. A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown. Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement? Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement. Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats. "The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away. Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15 Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season. Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons. Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday. Key Week 15 Matchups: Bills @ Patriots Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs Week 14 Statistical Highlights A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team. A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season. A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record. An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy weather. A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week. A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.