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Every matchup counts from here on in, with several huge conclusions in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a gritty close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: 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 initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost every available game during his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, won the last title held at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to pair with an exceptional passing attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

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

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this year.

He is the first player in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.