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Every contest counts down the stretch, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

This result handed one side a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly every available game during his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.