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Every contest is crucial at this stage, with some huge conclusions in week 14 that might settle play-off berths by the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a huge problem and could have ended the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Hype

A trio of huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close success in on the road. The future Hall of Famer scored his initial rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep passes to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being overturned. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final day of the season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie quarterback in the frigid weather.

This result gave one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team fell from the NFC's number one seed all the way to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs?

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

During his seven complete seasons as a starter, he has reached 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. That means the club has competed in nearly every possible game during his time.

So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed kicks and critical drops—including on a decisive fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Destined for the West?

Two top teams from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl contention.

One squad, atop their conference, won the last title held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, leading the NFC, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a two-headed ground attack to complement an elite passing attack.

A key matchup would be if the potent offense can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a fascinating playoff showdown.

Discussion: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star tight end fueled speculation about a possible retirement.

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

"He will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all once more for his team in a snowy win. Allen passed for 3 touchdowns and rushed for one more, responsible for a staggering percentage of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running touchdowns in 3 straight seasons.

Next, he puts the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A reeling team watched its franchise quarterback come back from injury, only to exit the game once more with a related injury.