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Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that may decide postseason spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of critical division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has played nearly every possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

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

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

One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.