🔗 Share this article

Every game counts down the stretch, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

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

In Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly every available contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

A pair of top contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.

Allen is the first player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.