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Every contest counts at this stage, with some huge results in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three huge divisional battles delivered.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close win in on the road. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost every available contest during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

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

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.