🔗 Share this article

Each game counts from here on in, with several enormous results in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason spots come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each available contest throughout his time.

So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.