Aaron Rodgers Maintains Postseason Hopes Breathing, But Could This Be The Finish for the Kansas City Chiefs? Highlights from NFL Week 14

Each contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly every possible game throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.