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Every matchup counts down the stretch, with several enormous outcomes in week 14 that might settle postseason positions by the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three massive division clashes did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% probability of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. This means the club has played almost each possible contest throughout his time.

So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are making compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the potent offence can handle the relentless pressure of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner could choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this season.

He is the first player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its star QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.