🔗 Share this article Rodgers Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive, But Is It The Conclusion for the Chiefs? Key Moments from National Football League the Fourteenth Week Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off spots by the conclusion of the campaign. A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era. Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference. Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season. Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather. The result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture. Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs? Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years. During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every possible game during his time. Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out. Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate. In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US? A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites. One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions. The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack. The question would be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup. Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits? Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a possible departure. Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats. "He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire. Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this year. He is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns. Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next. Key Week 15 Games: Bills @ Patriots Detroit Lions @ Rams Green Bay Packers @ Broncos Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team. A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season. A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark. An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather. A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next. A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.