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Every contest counts from here on in, with some huge results in week 14 that may settle play-off berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year veteran quarterback landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three critical division clashes lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his team to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in nearly three seasons, but it was his long throws to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial chances—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the frigid weather.

The result handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every available contest throughout his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the western conferences are building strong cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question could be if the high-flying offense could withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the fallout from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," he continued. If the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to walk away.

Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all 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 team's overall scores this year.

He is the only player in NFL annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty TD throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

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

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two scores and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the next.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the game again with a related ailment.