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Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in the fourteenth week that may decide postseason spots come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while Josh Allen all-but finished Joe Burrow's chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a massive challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Anticipation

Three critical divisional battles delivered.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—although they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two teams will meet once more on the final day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing weather.

This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each available game during his tenure.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a fighting chance, however failed field goals and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

Two top teams from the western conferences are making compelling cases for championship favorites.

One team, atop their conference, won the last title played at February's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, long drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional aerial attack.

The question could be whether the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Retirement?

Amid the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end fueled talk about a potential departure.

Hearing him say, "every year... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the 3x champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three scores and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty TD passes and 10 running scores in three consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the Bills on his back again as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest scoring play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise watched its star QB return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.