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Each matchup counts down the stretch, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

A trio of critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. He recorded his first rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has competed in almost every available game during his tenure.

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

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this season.

He is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.