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Every matchup matters at this stage, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason spots come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in almost each possible game throughout his time.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential departure.

Hearing him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.

He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.