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Each game is crucial down the stretch, with a number of huge results in week 14 that might decide postseason spots come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three huge rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.

The result handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost every possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded 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 after this season," he continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.