🔗 Share this article Rodgers Maintains Playoff Hopes Afloat, But Is It The Conclusion for the Chiefs? Highlights from National Football League the Fourteenth Week Every game is crucial down the stretch, with some huge results in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason positions by the conclusion of the season. A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure. The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype. Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor. Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season. Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather. This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to seventh. In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs? Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years. During his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost every possible contest throughout his time. So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing. Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall. In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US? A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention. One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives. The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack. The question could be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown. Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement? Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement. Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day. "The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away. Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season. He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons. Next, 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. Major Upcoming Week Matchups: Bills @ New England Patriots Detroit 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 longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team. A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving. A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark. An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions. A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next. A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.