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Every matchup counts down the stretch, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were angry by a late score being overturned. These teams will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

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

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each possible game during his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

Two top contenders from the western divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing game.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.

Hearing him say, "every 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 option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. If the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

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

He is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a related ailment.