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Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with several enormous results in week 14 that could decide postseason spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close success in Baltimore. He notched his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

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

During his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each available game throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.

The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

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

Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.