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Every contest counts from here on in, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that may determine play-off berths by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

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

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly each available contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be if the high-flying offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

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

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.