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Each matchup counts down the stretch, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off spots come the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

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

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams will meet again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly every available game during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish 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 what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.