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Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in the fourteenth week that might determine play-off positions by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a significant problem and may have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

Three huge rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close victory in on the road. He notched his initial running score in almost three years, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of sync as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a late score being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest feud in the league witnessed a thrilling encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another late-game rally from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

The result gave one team a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way 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 probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each available contest throughout his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with several key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, however failed kicks and costly drops—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for championship contention.

One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other team, atop the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable ground attack to complement an elite aerial game.

The question could be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked talk about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do what he chooses to do following this season," Mahomes continued. Should the year ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and ran for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.

He is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An international placekicker helped his team in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.