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Each contest is crucial from here on in, with some massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three critical rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.