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Each game matters down the stretch, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that could decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost each possible game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two top contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.