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Every game counts at this stage, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that might decide play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his top wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a late score being nullified. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

This result handed one team a narrow lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team fell from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly each possible game during his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, leading their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled speculation about a potential departure.

Listening to him say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to catch their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar injury.