🔗 Share this article

Every matchup matters from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive division clashes delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost every available contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.

Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

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

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.