Aaron Rodgers Maintains Playoff Aspirations Breathing, But Is It The End for the Chiefs? Key Moments from NFL Week 14

Every contest matters at this stage, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.

The outcome handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two top contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offense could solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.