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Each game matters from here on in, with several massive results in week 14 that might determine postseason berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen all-but terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense posed a significant problem and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Hype

Three massive divisional battles did not disappoint.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his initial rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his long throws to his star receiver that made the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of sync as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the last weekend of the regular season.

In another, the oldest feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This result handed one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to seventh.

Analysis: What Has Gone Awry for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven conference championship contests and 5 championship games. This means the team has competed in nearly each possible game throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are apparent and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his team a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their fate.

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

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

One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, showcased an high-powered offence capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial game.

The question would be whether the high-flying offence could withstand the relentless pressure of the top defense—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible retirement.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each year... I try to appreciate because you never know" certainly sounded like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this campaign," he continued. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion veteran could choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

Josh Allen put on a show again for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable portion of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first quarterback in league history with 3,000 pass yards, 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores in 3 straight campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his shoulders once more as they try to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Matchups:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 14 Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the year—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in soggy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team watched its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related injury.