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Every contest counts at this stage, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

This result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly each possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

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

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

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights 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 remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.