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Each contest counts down the stretch, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that may decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of critical division clashes delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has played nearly every possible contest during his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and critical drops—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.