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Each game counts down the stretch, with a number of huge results in week 14 that could settle postseason berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

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

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly every possible contest throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

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

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting 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 touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Week 15 Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.