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Each matchup counts from here on in, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off positions by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close win in on the road. He scored his first rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played nearly every possible game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question could be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing him state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed 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 campaign," he added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.