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Each contest counts at this stage, with some enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that may settle postseason positions by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

Three massive divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being overturned. These franchises will meet again on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the freezing conditions.

The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

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

In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the club has competed in almost each available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling offensive line, with several starters missing.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a fighting chance, but missed kicks and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable running attack to pair with an elite aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

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

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate fueled speculation about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's total scores this year.

Allen is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a related injury.