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Each contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that might decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three huge division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough 27-22 victory in Baltimore. He notched his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long throws to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

This outcome handed one team a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted 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 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. This means the team has played almost every possible game throughout his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top teams from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked speculation about a possible departure.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.

He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.