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Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that may settle play-off berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype

Three huge divisional battles delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty close win in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has played nearly each possible game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making compelling arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an elite aerial game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.