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Each contest matters at this stage, with a number of massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that could determine play-off positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, guided his team to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in almost three years, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a classic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That means the team has competed in almost every possible game throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and crucial drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

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

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an elite aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

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 longtime tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the season ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the first player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.