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Each contest counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of critical division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to him say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year.

He is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.