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Every contest matters down the stretch, with some massive results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason spots come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Anticipation

A trio of critical rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close success in Baltimore. He notched his initial running score in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing young QB in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

During his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. This means the club has played almost every possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a chance, but missed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

A pair of top teams from the western conferences are making compelling arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running game to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be if the high-flying offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He 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 champion veteran might choose to walk away.

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

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a similar ailment.