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Every contest matters down the stretch, with several enormous results in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

Three huge divisional battles delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.

The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost every possible contest during his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing attack.

The question could be whether the potent offense could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.