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Each matchup counts down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played nearly every available game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

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

One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.

The question would be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing 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 continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.