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Each contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive outcomes in week 14 that could settle postseason positions by the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Hype

Three massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

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

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During his 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in almost every available contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.