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Each matchup counts from here on in, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the team has competed in almost every possible game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded 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 chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 straight campaigns.

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

Key Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.