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Each matchup counts down the stretch, with a number of huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off berths by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has played almost every available game throughout his time.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.