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Each contest matters at this stage, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During his 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly each available game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.