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Every matchup matters at this stage, with several massive conclusions in week 14 that might determine play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of huge rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The result gave one side a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This means the team has competed in nearly every possible contest during his time.

So, the causes for the current failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a key fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

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

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be if the potent offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked speculation about a potential departure.

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

"He will have the option to do what he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran could decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related ailment.