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Every matchup counts down the stretch, with several massive outcomes in week 14 that might settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly every available contest throughout his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

Two top teams from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.