🔗 Share this article Rodgers Sustains Playoff Hopes Afloat, But Is It The End for the Kansas City Chiefs? Top Stories from National Football League the Fourteenth Week Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason spots come the end of the season. A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era. The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation A trio of massive divisional battles did not disappoint. Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the difference. The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season. Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions. The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture. In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs? Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade. During his 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has played almost each available game throughout his time. Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing. Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall. In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West? Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites. One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions. The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack. A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup. Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement? Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement. Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats. "He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away. Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this year. He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons. Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday. Key Week 15 Matchups: Buffalo Bills @ Patriots Detroit Lions @ Rams Packers @ Broncos Chargers @ Chiefs This Week's Statistical Highlights A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team. A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving. A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record. An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather. A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next. A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.