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Every game is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive outcomes in the fourteenth week that could settle postseason positions by the end of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a significant setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a massive challenge and could have finished the Chiefs' season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of critical rivalry games delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, led his squad to a tough 27-22 victory in on the road. He scored his initial rushing touchdown in nearly three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the league saw a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defense had to stop another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one side a slender lead in their division, while the defeated team fell from the NFC's top spot down to seventh.

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

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first such for the franchise in a decade.

In Mahomes' 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That indicates the team has played almost every available contest during his time.

Therefore, the causes for this year's struggles are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with several starters missing.

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

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

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the western conferences are building strong arguments for championship favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, claimed the most recent Super Bowl played at February's stadium. They are built on a dominant defence that tops the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second contender, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground game to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense can handle the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential matchup.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled talk about a possible departure.

Hearing Mahomes say, "every year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner could choose to walk away.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. He passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this season.

Allen is the only player in league history with three thousand passing yards, 20 TD passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star wide receiver caught 2 touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared defensive end recorded his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.