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Every game matters down the stretch, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that might settle postseason positions come the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close success in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

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

Major Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's 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 offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.