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Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with several enormous results in week 14 that could settle postseason spots come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

A trio of huge divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.

The outcome gave one team a slender lead in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

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

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the West Coast divisions are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an elite passing attack.

The question could be whether the high-flying offence could solve the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," he added. If the year concludes early for the team, the 3x Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.

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

The Bills' quarterback put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored two scores and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.