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Every contest counts down the stretch, with some massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off spots by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the western conferences are building compelling cases for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offence can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related injury.