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Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that may decide play-off positions come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close win in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly 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 Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

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

One squad, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question could be if the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

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

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

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

Key Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.