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Each game counts at this stage, with some enormous outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise QB return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.