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Every game matters from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has competed in almost every possible game throughout his tenure.

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

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

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

A key matchup could be if the potent offence could solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.