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Each game counts at this stage, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off berths by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a massive problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three critical rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a late score being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a epic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

This result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has played almost every available game during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but failed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

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

One team, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating potential matchup.

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

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish 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 what he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the season ends early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the single-season mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.