Aaron Rodgers Sustains Playoff Dreams Afloat, Yet Could This Be The Finish for the Chiefs? Highlights from NFL Week 14

Every matchup matters at this stage, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference'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 give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every available contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be if the high-flying offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched 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 victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.