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Each game counts down the stretch, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

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

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep passes to his star receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. This means the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for championship contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to pair with an exceptional passing game.

The question would be whether the potent offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this season.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.