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Every contest matters from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason berths by the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played nearly every possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

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

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar injury.