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Each contest counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the end of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

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

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost each possible game during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense can handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," he continued. If the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.