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Each contest counts down the stretch, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

Three huge division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has played almost every possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing attack.

The question could be whether the potent offence could handle the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this year.

He is the only player in league annals with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.