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Every matchup is crucial down the stretch, with some enormous results in week 14 that may decide postseason berths by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback dealt a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He scored his first running score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a late score being nullified. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the NFL saw a epic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

The result handed one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this could be the initial missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the team has competed in almost each available contest during his tenure.

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

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—sealed their downfall.

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

A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast divisions are building strong arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question could be if the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pass rush of the top defense—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.

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

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion veteran could choose to retire.

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

Josh Allen put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related ailment.