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Every matchup counts from here on in, with several huge results in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason berths by the end of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a major blow to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually finished Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a massive problem and could have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

Three huge divisional battles lived up to the hype.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, playing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer scored his first running touchdown in almost three seasons, but it was his deep throws to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final weekend of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing young QB in the freezing weather.

The result gave one team a slender advantage in their division, while the defeated team dropped from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Projections give the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. Realistically, this could be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

During his 7 full seasons as a starter, he has advanced to seven conference championship games and five Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each available game throughout his time.

So, the causes for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent loss. Injuries ravaged an already struggling O-line, with several key players out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but missed field goals and crucial drops—such as on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.

In Focus: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

Two powerhouse teams from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title played at February's venue. They are constructed on a stifling defense that leads the NFL in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming drives.

The second team, leading the NFC, demonstrated an dynamic offence capable of scoring from any situation. They boast a formidable ground attack to complement an exceptional passing attack.

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

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' defeat, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his star tight end fueled rumors about a possible departure.

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

"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this campaign," Mahomes continued. Should the season ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might choose to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. Allen threw three touchdowns and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Now, he puts the team on his back again as they try to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the biggest scoring play of the year—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A dominant defensive end recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his squad in a surprise victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise QB come back from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar ailment.