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Every matchup is crucial from here on in, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that could determine play-off positions by the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost every available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

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

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.