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Each contest counts from here on in, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine play-off positions by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three huge divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played almost every available contest during his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the first player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.