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Every game counts at this stage, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that could decide play-off positions come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in nearly each possible game during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be if the potent offense could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.

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

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.