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Every game counts at this stage, with some enormous results in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off spots come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of massive rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He recorded his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. The two franchises will meet again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their division, whereas the losers fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in almost each available contest throughout his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a fighting chance, but failed kicks and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for championship contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the last title held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

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

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He passed for 3 scores and ran for one more, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.

Allen is the only player in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.