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Every game is crucial down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that may determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three huge division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing score in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly every available game during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this season.

He is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a upset 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 again with a similar ailment.