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Each contest counts from here on in, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical division clashes delivered.

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

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the club has played nearly every possible contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.

Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

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 staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.