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Every game matters down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that may decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

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

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

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

During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the team has played almost each possible game during his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

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

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a possible departure.

Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.