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Each game counts from here on in, with a number of enormous outcomes in week 14 that may decide play-off spots come the conclusion of the season.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers struck a significant blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a significant problem and may have ended the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever in the Patrick Mahomes tenure.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Hype

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

Veteran quarterback Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a hard-fought 27-22 win in Baltimore. He recorded his first running score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of sync as his team failed to capitalize on crucial opportunities—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter score being nullified. The two franchises will meet again on the last day of the regular season.

In another, the oldest rivalry in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Despite touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another late-game rally from the visiting young QB in the frigid weather.

The result gave one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers fell from the NFC's number one seed down to seventh.

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

Statistical models give the Chiefs only a 15% probability of reaching the play-offs. Realistically, this will be the initial missed playoffs for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a ten years.

In Mahomes' seven full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has played nearly every possible contest throughout his time.

So, the reasons for the current struggles are clear and were encapsulated during Sunday's defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy O-line, with several starters missing.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a fighting chance, however missed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their fate.

In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Destined for the Western US?

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

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last title held at this year's stadium. They are constructed on a stifling defense that tops the NFL in sacks and victories through grinding, long possessions.

The second team, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a formidable running game to pair with an elite passing game.

The question could be if the potent offense could solve the smothering pressure of the elite defense—what would be a must-watch potential showdown.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Pondering Retirement?

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

Hearing him state, "every year... I try to appreciate since you never know" definitely sounded like the QB was preparing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," he continued. Should the year ends early for the team, the three-time champion veteran might decide to retire.

Looking Ahead: Buffalo vs. Patriots Headlines Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all again for his team in a snowy win. He threw three scores and ran for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total touchdowns this season.

He is the only player in league annals with 3,000 passing yards, twenty touchdown passes and ten rushing touchdowns in three straight campaigns.

Next, he puts the Bills on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Major Upcoming Week Games:

• Bills @ Patriots
• Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
• Packers @ Denver Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one offense.
• A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains tracking for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his 20th QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
• An overseas kicker played a key role for his team in a surprise win in rainy weather.
• A team that was shutout one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its star QB return from injury, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.