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Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every available contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

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

One team, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.