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Each contest matters down the stretch, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off spots come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three critical division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

The outcome handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

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

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling cases for championship favorites.

One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The second contender, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable running game to complement an exceptional passing game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

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

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty TD passes and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.