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Every game is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might decide postseason berths come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his squad to a gritty close win in on the road. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late score being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.

The outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has competed in almost every available contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?

A pair of top contenders from the West Coast conferences are building strong arguments for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes continued. If the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 scores and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to leave the game again with a similar injury.