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Every game matters from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that could determine play-off spots come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He scored his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team 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?

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

During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has played almost each possible game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.

The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be whether the potent offense could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.