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Every contest matters at this stage, with some enormous conclusions in week 14 that may settle postseason positions by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough close victory in on the road. He recorded his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly every possible game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

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

One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.