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Every matchup counts down the stretch, with some enormous results in week 14 that may settle play-off berths come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.

This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost every possible game throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

The question would be if the high-flying offense can withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.