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Every contest matters down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that may decide play-off positions by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost each possible game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are making strong cases for championship favorites.

One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this year.

He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.