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Every contest counts at this stage, with a number of huge outcomes in week 14 that may settle play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant challenge and may have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one side a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each available contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two top contenders from the western conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite aerial game.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he added. Should the year concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related injury.