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Every game counts from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that may decide play-off spots by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three critical divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key chances—though they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has played almost each available contest during his time.

So, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the West?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offence can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's total touchdowns this year.

He is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing scores in three consecutive 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—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.