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Every contest matters down the stretch, with some enormous results in week 14 that could settle play-off berths come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a significant problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

Three huge divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This outcome handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in almost each available contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and critical drops—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.

The question would be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar injury.