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Every game is crucial down the stretch, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.

This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During his seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship contention.

One squad, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

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

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 straight seasons.

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

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.