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Every matchup matters at this stage, with a number of huge results in week 14 that may determine postseason berths come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The result gave one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in almost each possible game during his time.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

The question would be whether the potent offence could handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a related injury.