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Each matchup matters down the stretch, with some huge results in week 14 that might settle play-off spots come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a major setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and could have finished the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The result gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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 will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played almost every available game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, long drives.

The second team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to pair with an exceptional passing game.

The question would be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

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

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," he added. If the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running scores in three straight campaigns.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.