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Each contest matters at this stage, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine play-off berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost every available game throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question would be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

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

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.