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Each game counts down the stretch, with some huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that could decide play-off spots by the end of the year.

A 42-year veteran quarterback dealt a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a significant challenge and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of huge division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought 27-22 victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his initial running touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result gave one side a slender lead in their NFC North, whereas the losers fell from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 complete years as a starting quarterback, he has reached 7 AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the club has competed in nearly every available game during his tenure.

Therefore, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Despite that, Mahomes gave his squad a fighting chance, but failed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a key fourth down play—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's venue. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, long drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an high-powered offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question could be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Listening to him say, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he chooses to do after this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the 3x champion winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.

He is the first player in league history with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team watched its franchise QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.