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Every matchup matters from here on in, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible contest during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent 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 pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup would be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.