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Each matchup counts from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The result gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in nearly each possible contest throughout his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The second team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the first player in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

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

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.