🔗 Share this article Aaron Rodgers Sustains Postseason Dreams Alive, But Could This Be The End for the Chiefs? Top Stories from National Football League Week 14 Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that could decide play-off positions by the end of the campaign. A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era. The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation Three critical division clashes did not disappoint. Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference. Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were angry by a late score being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the regular season. In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions. This result handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture. Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs? Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade. In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost each available game throughout his time. So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out. Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their downfall. Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West? A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites. One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions. The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack. A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential showdown. Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement? Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure. Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats. "He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to retire. Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season. He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive seasons. Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday. Key Week 15 Matchups: Bills @ New England Patriots Lions @ Los Angeles Rams Green Bay Packers @ Broncos Chargers @ Chiefs This Week's Stats, Records & Notes A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team. A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season. A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record. An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions. A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next. A struggling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.