🔗 Share this article

Every game matters from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off positions come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of critical division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the club has competed in almost every available game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

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

One squad, atop their conference, won the last title 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 second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this season.

He is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.