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Every matchup matters from here on in, with some enormous results in week 14 that could decide postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown 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 failed to capitalize on key opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven complete years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has played nearly every available contest throughout his time.

So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at this year's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup would be if the potent offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion 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. He passed for three scores and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his team's overall scores this season.

He is the only player in NFL annals with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar injury.