🔗 Share this article Rodgers Sustains Playoff Hopes Breathing, But Is It The Finish for the Kansas City Chiefs? Highlights from National Football League Week 14 Each matchup is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off spots come the end of the campaign. A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure. Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype A trio of huge division clashes delivered. Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor. The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. The two franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season. Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions. The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed 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 probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years. In his seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has played nearly every possible game throughout his tenure. Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing. Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall. Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US? Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites. One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives. The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an elite passing attack. A key matchup could be whether the potent offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup. Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement? Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement. Listening to him say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats. "He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away. Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season. He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons. Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday. Key Week 15 Matchups: Buffalo Bills @ Patriots Lions @ Los Angeles Rams Packers @ Denver Broncos Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team. A star receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season. A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark. An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions. A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week. A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.