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Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

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

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

During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost each available contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he added. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.