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Each game matters down the stretch, with several massive results in week 14 that might determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played almost every possible contest throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

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

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.