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Each matchup matters from here on in, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that might decide play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three critical rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running touchdown in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The result handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in nearly every available contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

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

Hearing him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

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

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.