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Each contest is crucial down the stretch, with a number of massive results in the fourteenth week that may determine play-off spots come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers dealt a major setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually finished the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs campaign earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a gritty 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his first rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long passes to his star wideout that made the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as Baltimore failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were angry by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the regular season.

In another, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a epic contest. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

This result handed one side a slender lead in their NFC North, while the losers dropped from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

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

Projections give the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season 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 reached 7 AFC Championship contests and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in nearly every possible contest throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current failure are clear and were summed up during Sunday's loss. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however missed kicks and crucial drops—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a dominant defense that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The other contender, leading the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground game to complement an elite aerial attack.

The question would be if the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes state, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," Mahomes added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering percentage of his team's total scores this year.

He is the only quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to chase down their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Buffalo 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 touchdown—the biggest play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was shutout one game responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game once more with a similar injury.