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Each game is crucial from here on in, with a number of massive conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason berths come the end of the campaign.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' play-off aspirations, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. At the same time, the Houston defense presented a huge problem and may have concluded the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Exceed the Hype

Three critical division clashes did not disappoint.

Seasoned signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, led his squad to a hard-fought close win in Baltimore. He recorded his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his long passes to his top wideout that proved to be the difference.

The Ravens' quarterback was out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—though they were angry by a late touchdown being overturned. The two franchises will meet once more on the final weekend of the season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a classic contest. Despite scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the visiting rookie QB in the frigid conditions.

The result handed one team a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot all the way to outside the playoff picture.

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

Statistical models give the Kansas City only a 15% probability of reaching the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed post-season for star quarterback Mahomes—and the first such for the organization in a decade.

During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 AFC Championship games and five championship games. That means the team has played almost each possible game during his time.

So, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Absences ravaged an already questionable O-line, with several starters out.

Even then, the quarterback provided his team a chance, but failed field goals and costly drops—including on a key fourth down attempt—sealed their fate.

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

Two powerhouse teams from the western conferences are making strong cases for Super Bowl contention.

One team, atop their conference, claimed the last Super Bowl held at February's stadium. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the NFL in quarterback takedowns and victories through grinding, time-consuming possessions.

The second contender, atop the NFC, showcased an dynamic offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a formidable running game to complement an elite passing game.

A key matchup could be whether the potent offence can withstand the relentless pass rush of the elite defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential matchup.

Talking Point: Travis Kelce Considering Retirement?

Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, remarks from the quarterback about his longtime tight end fueled rumors about a potential retirement.

Listening to him state, "each season... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely sounded like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.

"He will have the choice to do what he wants to do after this campaign," Mahomes added. Should the year concludes early for the team, the three-time champion winner might choose to retire.

Preview: Buffalo vs. New England Headlines the Upcoming Slate

The Bills' quarterback put on a show once more for Buffalo in a snowy win. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another, accounting for a remarkable portion of his offense's overall scores this year.

He is the only player in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, 20 touchdown throws and 10 rushing touchdowns in 3 consecutive campaigns.

Now, he puts the team on his back once more as they aim to chase down their division foes, the Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play next.

Major Upcoming Week Matchups:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off return for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver caught two touchdowns and remains on course for a historic 2,000-yard season.
• A feared pass rusher notched his twentieth sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a upset victory in soggy conditions.
• A offense that was held scoreless one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
• A struggling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest again with a related injury.