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Every contest counts at this stage, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype

A trio of massive division clashes delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

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

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has played nearly every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question would be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible departure.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.