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Every contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close victory in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played nearly every possible game throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, 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 league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.