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Every game counts at this stage, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off berths come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.

This result gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every possible game during his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.

The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.

The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.