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Each contest matters at this stage, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that could decide postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played almost every possible game during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing game.

The question would be if the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.