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Each game is crucial down the stretch, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that might settle postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the last day of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The result handed one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost every available game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.