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Each contest counts down the stretch, with some massive outcomes in week 14 that may settle postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a significant problem and could have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close victory in on the road. He notched his first running score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The outcome gave one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each available game during his time.

Therefore, the causes for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed running attack to pair with an elite passing game.

The question would be if the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible departure.

Listening to him state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD throws and ten rushing scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—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 record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.