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Each contest counts down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in week 14 that could settle postseason berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.

This result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost each possible contest throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup would be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.

He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.