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Every contest matters down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off positions by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

The outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be whether the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.