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Every game matters down the stretch, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason positions by the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He notched his first running score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This outcome handed one side a narrow lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each available game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

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

A key matchup would be whether the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "every season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy win. He passed for three scores and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this season.

Allen is the first player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game again with a related injury.