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Each contest matters down the stretch, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that might decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype

Three critical divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has played nearly each available game during his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

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

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles 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 scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.