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Each contest is crucial from here on in, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that might settle postseason positions by the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of critical divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in almost every possible contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ 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 longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.