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Every game counts from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that might determine play-off positions come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 win in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down 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 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in almost each possible contest throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. If the season ends early for the team, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit 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 touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.