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Every game counts from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical division clashes did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

This outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in almost every available contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite passing game.

A key matchup would be if the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.