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Each contest matters down the stretch, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that could determine postseason spots by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The result handed one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong 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 organization in a decade.

In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the club has competed in almost each available contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

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

One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question would be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.