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Each contest matters from here on in, with a number of enormous conclusions in week 14 that might decide postseason spots come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston defense posed a huge problem and could have ended the Chiefs' campaign earlier than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three critical divisional battles did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. These franchises are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing weather.

This result handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's number one seed 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 play-offs. Realistically, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starter, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and five Super Bowls. This indicates the team has competed in almost each possible game during his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences decimated an already questionable O-line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, however failed kicks and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a two-headed running attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—a a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Chiefs' loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his star teammate sparked rumors about a potential departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a wintry win. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the first player in NFL history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back once more as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest scoring play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and is still tracking 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 international placekicker helped his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
• A reeling team saw its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.