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Every contest is crucial from here on in, with some enormous results in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off berths come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question would be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.

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

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.