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Each contest counts down the stretch, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every available contest throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related ailment.