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Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off spots come the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. 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 difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading 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 title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.