🔗 Share this article

Every game is crucial at this stage, with some huge results in week 14 that might settle play-off spots by the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result handed one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.