Rodgers Keeps Postseason Hopes Alive, But Is It The Finish for the Chiefs? Top Stories from National Football League the Fourteenth Week

Each game counts from here on in, with some enormous results in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has played nearly each available contest during his tenure.

So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing game.

The question would be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game 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 game again with a related injury.