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Each game is crucial from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason spots by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to halt another late-game comeback from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result handed one side a narrow advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

In his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in almost each available contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—confirmed their fate.

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

Two top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the last title held at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.

The question would be whether the potent offense could handle the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," he continued. Should the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He passed for 3 scores and ran for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

Allen is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.