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Each game counts down the stretch, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason positions come the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late score being overturned. The two franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This outcome handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing him state, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

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

Major Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.