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Every matchup matters down the stretch, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that may decide play-off berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

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

During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly each available contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

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

A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored two scores and is still on course 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 record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.