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Each game is crucial at this stage, with some huge results in week 14 that could determine postseason positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three critical division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost every available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.