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Every matchup is crucial at this stage, with several huge results in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

This result gave one side a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.

So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional passing game.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.