Aaron Rodgers Keeps Postseason Aspirations Afloat, Yet Is It The Finish for the Chiefs? Top Stories from NFL Week 14

Each contest counts down the stretch, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that might decide play-off positions by the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for championship contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten running scores in three straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.