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Each game counts down the stretch, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might settle play-off spots by the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial game.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.