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Every contest matters down the stretch, with a number of enormous conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason spots by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype

A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every available game during his time.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

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

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a possible departure.

Listening to him say, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

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

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.