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Every matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial game.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

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 remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.