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Each game counts at this stage, with some huge results in week 14 that may determine play-off berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

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

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

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

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in almost each available game throughout his time.

So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.

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

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Hearing him say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.