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Every contest matters down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that may determine play-off spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three critical division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

This outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost each available game during his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

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

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.