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Each matchup is crucial down the stretch, with some enormous outcomes in week 14 that could determine postseason positions by the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while Josh Allen virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three massive rivalry games lived up to the hype.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his initial rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on key chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to stop another late-game comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, whereas the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven full years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. This means the team has played almost every possible game during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Absences decimated an already struggling O-line, with multiple key players out.

Despite that, the quarterback gave his team a chance, however failed field goals and crucial drops—including on a pivotal fourth down play—confirmed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent title held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming drives.

The other team, atop the NFC, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.

The question could be whether the potent offence can solve the smothering pressure of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked talk about a potential retirement.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed 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 wants to do following this season," he added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the 3x Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy victory. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this year.

He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty TD throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Now, he tries to carry the Bills on his back again as they try to chase down their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a surprise win in soggy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one week bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star quarterback return from injury, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.