Rodgers Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive, Yet Is It The End for the Chiefs? Key Moments from National Football League the Fourteenth Week

Every game matters from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that may determine play-off positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question would be if the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran 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 three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.