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Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

The result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played almost every available game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an elite passing attack.

The question could be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay 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 year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.