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Each game counts at this stage, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that could determine postseason spots come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close success in on the road. He notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played nearly each possible contest during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Week 15 Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.