Rodgers Maintains Playoff Aspirations Alive, But Could This Be The Finish for the Kansas City Chiefs? Top Stories from NFL Week 14

Every contest matters down the stretch, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason spots by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly every possible game during his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ 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 season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team 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 reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.