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Every game counts at this stage, with some massive results in week 14 that could settle postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of critical division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

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

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Hearing him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.