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Each game counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his long passes to his star receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing conditions.

This result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has competed in almost each available game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the 3x champion winner could decide to walk away.

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

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and 10 running scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.