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Every contest matters from here on in, with several massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might determine postseason berths by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a major setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge rivalry games delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one side a narrow lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost every available game throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.