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Every game matters down the stretch, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off spots by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of critical rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top wideout that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That means the club has played almost each possible game during his time.

So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top contenders from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing game.

The question could be whether the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

Allen is the only player in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.