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Each contest counts from here on in, with a number of huge outcomes in the fourteenth week that may determine postseason positions come the end of the year.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers dealt a big blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason aspirations, whereas Josh Allen virtually terminated the Cincinnati Bengals' hopes. At the same time, the Houston defense posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Chiefs' season earlier than ever in the Patrick Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Division Deciders Exceed the Expectations

Three huge divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close win in on the road. He scored his initial running score in almost three years, but it was his long throws to his star receiver that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was off rhythm as Baltimore missed crucial opportunities—although they were frustrated by a late score being chalked off. The two franchises are scheduled to face off again on the last day of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an worn-out defense had to halt another late-game rally from the opposing young quarterback in the freezing weather.

This outcome gave one side a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a ten years.

In his seven full years as a starter, he has reached seven conference championship games and 5 championship games. This indicates the team has competed in almost every available game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for this year's failure are clear and were summed up during the recent loss. Absences ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly dropped passes—including on a pivotal fourth down attempt—sealed their downfall.

Spotlight: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the West?

A pair of powerhouse teams from the western conferences are building compelling cases for Super Bowl favorites.

One team, leading their the AFC, claimed the last Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defence that leads the NFL in sacks and victories through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an explosive offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

The question would be if the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a must-watch playoff matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Pondering Retirement?

Among the fallout from the Chiefs' loss, remarks from the quarterback about his star teammate fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to him say, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"The tight end will have the option to do whatever he wants to do following this campaign," he added. If the season ends early for the Chiefs, the three-time champion veteran could decide to retire.

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

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a wintry victory. Allen passed for three scores and rushed for another, accounting for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.

He is the first quarterback in NFL annals with three thousand pass yards, 20 TD throws and ten running touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they try to catch their division rivals, the Patriots—coincidentally, that's exactly who they face next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Stats, Records & Notes

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the biggest scoring play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
• A prolific receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant pass rusher notched his 20th sack of the season, moving within reach of the all-time record.
• An international kicker helped his squad in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
• A team that was held scoreless one game bounced back with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling franchise saw its franchise QB come back from injury, only to leave the contest again with a related injury.