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Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive results in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close win in on the road. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

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

This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and costly drops—including on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

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

Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he added. If the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.

He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ New England 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 scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.