🔗 Share this article

Each contest counts from here on in, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible game during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite passing game.

The question would be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

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

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.