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Each matchup is crucial at this stage, with a number of huge results in week 14 that might determine play-off berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of critical division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played nearly every available game during his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. He passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar ailment.