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Each game counts down the stretch, with a number of massive results in week 14 that could settle play-off berths come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a late score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.