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Each game counts down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the end of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.

This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed 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 postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost every possible contest during his time.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

Two top teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be whether the potent offense could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.