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Each game is crucial at this stage, with some massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that could settle play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in on the road. He scored his first rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one side a narrow advantage 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 Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the team has competed in almost every possible game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

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

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.