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Every contest matters at this stage, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that might settle postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three huge rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played nearly each possible game throughout his time.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be whether the potent offense could handle the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.

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

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. 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 did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this year.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.