🔗 Share this article Aaron Rodgers Keeps Playoff Hopes Breathing, But Is It The Conclusion for the Kansas City Chiefs? Highlights from NFL Week 14 Every game matters down the stretch, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might decide postseason positions by the conclusion of the season. A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era. Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation Three critical rivalry games delivered. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor. The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season. Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather. This result handed one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture. In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs? Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade. During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every available game during his time. Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out. Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall. Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US? Two top teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites. One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions. The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an elite aerial game. The question would be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown. Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement? Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement. Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats. "The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away. Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year. Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons. Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday. Key Upcoming Week Matchups: Bills @ New England Patriots Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams Packers @ Denver Broncos Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs This Week's Statistical Highlights A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense. A star wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season. A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record. An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions. A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next. A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related ailment.