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Every game counts at this stage, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that could settle play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.

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

The result gave one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in almost every available game throughout his tenure.

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

Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top teams from the western conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial game.

The question could be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit 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 biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.