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Each matchup counts from here on in, with some massive results in week 14 that might settle play-off spots come the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams will meet again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers fell from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has played almost every available contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however missed field goals 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 powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong cases for championship contention.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing attack.

The question could be whether the potent offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Hearing him state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the season concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his team's total scores this year.

He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in three consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its star quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.