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Each game counts from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that may determine postseason spots by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a significant problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

The result handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost every possible game during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.

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

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.

He is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.