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Each contest matters down the stretch, with some enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off spots by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the team has played almost each available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two top contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite passing attack.

The question could be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.