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Every contest is crucial down the stretch, with several massive results in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Anticipation

Three massive division clashes delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

The outcome handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.

During his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven conference championship contests and five championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each available contest throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—including on a key fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

Two top teams from the western divisions are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, leading their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other contender, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a formidable running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup could be whether the high-flying offense can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

He is the first quarterback in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes and ten rushing scores in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.