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Each matchup counts from here on in, with some enormous conclusions in week 14 that may determine play-off berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a tough close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing conditions.

This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

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

During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has played almost every possible game during his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but failed field goals and critical drops—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.

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

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this season," he added. If the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.

Allen is the only player in league annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.