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Each game matters at this stage, with some enormous conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason positions by the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defence presented a huge challenge and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs season sooner than ever before in the Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation

A trio of massive rivalry games did not disappoint.

Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, guided his squad to a tough close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first rushing touchdown in almost three seasons, however it was his deep throws to his top receiver that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as Baltimore failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were left fuming by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams will meet again on the last weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Even with touchdown deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to halt another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting young quarterback in the frigid weather.

This outcome handed one side a narrow advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the conference's number one seed down to outside the playoff picture.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a fifteen percent chance of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During his 7 complete seasons as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the team has competed in almost each possible contest during his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's defeat. Absences ravaged an already dodgy O-line, with multiple starters out.

Even then, Mahomes gave his team a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—such as on a decisive fourth-down play—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?

A pair of top contenders from the western divisions are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One squad, atop their conference, won the most recent title played at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, long drives.

The other team, leading the other conference, showcased an explosive offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to pair with an elite aerial attack.

A key matchup would be if the potent offense could solve the relentless pressure of the top defensive unit—a a fascinating potential showdown.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Chiefs' defeat, comments from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled talk about a potential departure.

Listening to Mahomes say, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" certainly sounded like he was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he chooses to do following this season," he continued. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl veteran could decide to retire.

Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Headlines the Upcoming Slate

Josh Allen put on a show again for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw 3 scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this year.

Allen is the only quarterback in league history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and ten running scores in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ New England Patriots
• Lions @ Rams
• Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Chargers @ Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored 2 touchdowns and is still tracking for a historic 2,000-yard receiving.
• A feared pass rusher recorded his 20th QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the all-time mark.
• An overseas kicker helped 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 franchise watched its franchise quarterback return from injury, only to exit the game once more with a similar ailment.