Aaron Rodgers Keeps Postseason Aspirations Alive, But Could This Be The End for the Chiefs? Key Moments from NFL Week 14

Each contest is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that could decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He notched his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each available game during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.

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

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

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

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

He is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.