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Every matchup is crucial at this stage, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide postseason positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

The result handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the club has played nearly each possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offense can solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total scores this year.

He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.