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Every game counts at this stage, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas 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 season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the 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 star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.