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Every matchup counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that might decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

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

During his 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has competed in almost each possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.