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Each game counts from here on in, with some enormous conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close success in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

This result handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost each available game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.