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Each game counts down the stretch, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that could decide postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in almost each possible contest during his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.