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Every game is crucial at this stage, with several huge outcomes in week 14 that might determine postseason spots come the end of the season.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers struck a major blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season sooner than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Exceed the Hype

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

Seasoned quarterback Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his team to a tough close win in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in nearly three years, however it was his long passes to his star receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson was off rhythm as his team missed key opportunities—although they were left fuming by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. These teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with scoring deep passes, an exhausted defense had to thwart another late-game rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the frigid conditions.

This outcome handed one team a narrow advantage in their NFC North, whereas the defeated team plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

In-Depth Look: Where Has It Gone Awry for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Projections assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and 5 Super Bowls. This indicates the club has played almost each available contest during his time.

Therefore, the reasons for the current failure are apparent and were summed up during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already dodgy offensive line, with several key players missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his squad a chance, but missed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a pivotal fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

A pair of powerhouse contenders from the West Coast divisions are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The other contender, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of scoring from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to complement an exceptional passing game.

The question would be if the high-flying offense can withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—a a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Amid the fallout from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.

Listening to him state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like he was preparing for the veteran to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he added. Should the season ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might choose to retire.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen did it all again for his team in a snowy win. Allen threw three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a remarkable percentage of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the only quarterback in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders once more as they aim to catch their AFC East foes, the New England Patriots—and, they are precisely who they play this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the year—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the campaign, moving within reach of the all-time mark.
• An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in rainy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week bounced back with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling franchise saw its star quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game again with a related ailment.