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Each matchup counts at this stage, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that could determine postseason berths by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost each possible game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.

The question would be if the potent offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.