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Every game counts at this stage, with a number of enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three critical rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. He recorded his first running score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.

This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

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

One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

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

Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team 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 team watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.