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Each game matters down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that could determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each available game throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

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

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.