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Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off spots by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a classic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly every available contest throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense can solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.