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Each game matters down the stretch, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that may decide postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three huge divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He notched his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams will meet again on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team dropped 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 Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each possible game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second contender, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offense could solve the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.