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Every contest is crucial from here on in, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. He notched his initial running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly every possible contest during his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question would be if the potent offence can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.