🔗 Share this article

Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might settle postseason positions by the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit 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 score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.