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Each game is crucial down the stretch, with a number of huge results in the fourteenth week that might settle play-off positions come the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a significant challenge and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost each available game throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a fighting chance, however missed field goals and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, won the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. If the year ends prematurely for the team, the three-time champion veteran might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He passed for 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten running touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.