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Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with some massive results in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 success in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running score in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his 7 complete years as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly each possible contest during his tenure.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are clear and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl played at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.

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

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a wintry victory. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and 10 rushing scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest again with a similar ailment.