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Every game counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that could decide play-off berths by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the potent offense could solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Hearing him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," he added. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related injury.