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Every contest counts down the stretch, with several massive results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason spots by the end of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a massive challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the freezing weather.

The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the club has played almost each available game during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the only player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.