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Every matchup counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three critical divisional battles delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

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

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly every possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

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

A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.