Aaron Rodgers Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive, But Could This Be The End for the Chiefs? Top Stories from NFL Week 14

Each game is crucial down the stretch, with some enormous conclusions in week 14 that might determine postseason spots by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He scored his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.

The outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in almost every available contest throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two top contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional passing game.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.

Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.