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Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with some enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason positions come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be whether the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential retirement.

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

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.