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Each game matters from here on in, with some huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that may settle play-off berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played almost each available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question could be if the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.