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Every matchup matters from here on in, with some enormous results in week 14 that might decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three huge rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This means the club has competed in almost each possible game during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the western divisions are building strong cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing him state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Week 15 Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international kicker helped his team in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.