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Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost each available contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to him 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 choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.