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Each game matters from here on in, with a number of massive results in week 14 that might determine play-off berths come the end of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence presented a significant challenge and could have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Expectations

Three huge rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a gritty close victory in Baltimore. He scored his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his star receiver that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet again on the final day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The outcome handed one team a narrow lead in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the NFC's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a ten years.

In his seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship contests and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has played nearly every possible contest during his time.

So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with multiple starters missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his squad a chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

A pair of top teams from the western divisions are making strong arguments for championship contention.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a formidable ground attack to pair with an elite passing game.

A key matchup would be if the high-flying offence could handle the smothering pass rush of the top defense—what would be a must-watch playoff showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "every year... I try to appreciate because you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do after this campaign," he continued. If the year concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.

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

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a wintry win. He threw three touchdowns and ran for another, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

He is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive campaigns.

Next, he tries to carry the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to chase down their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, that's precisely who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles 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 year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver caught 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season record.
• An international kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related ailment.