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Every matchup counts from here on in, with several huge results in week 14 that could settle play-off positions come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one side a narrow advantage 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 assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost each possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

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

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

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question would be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

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

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—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 historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.