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Every game counts from here on in, with several huge results in week 14 that could settle play-off berths come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype

A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in almost every possible contest during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential departure.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.