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Every matchup counts from here on in, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

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

Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 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 Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.