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Each game counts from here on in, with some huge outcomes in week 14 that might determine play-off positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas Josh Allen virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a huge problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of massive divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a gritty 27-22 success in on the road. He scored his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter touchdown being chalked off. These teams will meet once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL saw a classic encounter. Despite scoring bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting young QB in the frigid conditions.

This outcome gave one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the losers plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Projections give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has competed in almost each available game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several key players missing.

Despite that, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and costly dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

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

Two powerhouse contenders from the western divisions are building strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through grinding, long possessions.

The other team, atop the NFC, showcased an explosive offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an elite aerial game.

The question could be if the potent offense can handle the relentless pressure of the elite defense—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end sparked speculation about a possible departure.

Listening to Mahomes state, "every season... I try to cherish because you never know" certainly seemed like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time Super Bowl veteran might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He passed for 3 touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering portion of his team's overall touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific wide receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling franchise saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the game once more with a related injury.