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Every contest counts from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that could decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He scored his first running score in almost three years, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question would be if the potent offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.