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Each game counts from here on in, with some enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of critical rivalry games delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That means the club has played nearly every possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup would be if the potent offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ 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 remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.