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Every matchup matters down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive divisional battles delivered.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has played almost every possible contest throughout his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

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

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.