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Every game is crucial at this stage, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that may settle play-off spots by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

Three huge divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first rushing touchdown in almost three years, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the freezing weather.

This result handed one side a slender advantage in their division, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. That indicates the team has played almost every available contest throughout his tenure.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several key players out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last title played at February's venue. They are built on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through grinding, long drives.

The second team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question would be if the potent offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked speculation about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes state, "each year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do whatever he wants to do after this season," he continued. If the year ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this season.

Allen is the only quarterback in league annals with three thousand passing yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game once more with a similar ailment.