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Each game counts from here on in, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that may decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three massive divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost every possible game during his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two top contenders from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

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

The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a possible retirement.

Hearing him state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.