🔗 Share this article

Every matchup counts down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason positions by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has played nearly every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

Two top teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.