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Each contest matters down the stretch, with several enormous results in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason positions by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a late touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played almost each available game during his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for his team in a wintry win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar ailment.