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Each matchup matters down the stretch, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason spots by the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

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

Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.