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Every matchup counts from here on in, with several enormous results in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off berths come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close success in on the road. He notched his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections 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 organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly every possible game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite passing attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.