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Each game is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason spots by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of huge division clashes did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes 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 crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every available contest during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.