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Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that might settle play-off berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

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

Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.

Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.