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Every matchup counts at this stage, with several enormous results in week 14 that might settle play-off spots come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. He notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

The outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

In his seven full seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost every possible contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong cases for championship contention.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.

The question would be if the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked talk about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.