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Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played nearly each available game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.