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Each game matters from here on in, with several huge conclusions in week 14 that might determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running score in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played nearly each possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.

Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.