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Each contest counts at this stage, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that may determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

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

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the potent offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.