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Each game matters down the stretch, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that could decide postseason positions by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

This result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played almost every possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the last title played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.