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Every game matters down the stretch, with several massive results in week 14 that could decide play-off spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

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

In his 7 full years as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five Super Bowls. This means the team has played almost each possible game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offence could solve the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing 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," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.