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Every matchup matters at this stage, with several enormous results in week 14 that could determine play-off positions by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

The result handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played nearly every available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two top teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.

The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.