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Each game matters at this stage, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that might determine play-off spots by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close success in on the road. He notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.

The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.