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Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, 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 Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each possible contest during his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

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

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

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

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.