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Every contest counts from here on in, with some huge results in week 14 that could decide postseason positions come the conclusion of the campaign.

A 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers landed a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason hopes, whereas the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans defense presented a significant challenge and could have concluded the Chiefs' campaign sooner than ever before in the Mahomes era.

The Breakdown: Divisional Deciders Live Up To the Expectations

A trio of critical divisional battles delivered.

Seasoned quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing with a injured wrist, steered his squad to a gritty close win in Baltimore. He recorded his first rushing score in almost three years, but it was his deep throws to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.

Lamar Jackson seemed out of kilter as his team failed to capitalize on crucial chances—although they were frustrated by a late touchdown being chalked off. The two teams are scheduled to face off again on the final weekend of the regular season.

Elsewhere, the longest-running rivalry in the NFL witnessed a thrilling contest. Despite touchdown deep passes, an worn-out defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing rookie QB in the frigid weather.

This outcome gave one team a slender advantage in their division, while the losers plummeted from the conference's top spot down to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this will be the initial missed playoffs for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a ten years.

During Mahomes' seven full seasons as a starter, he has reached seven AFC Championship contests and five championship games. This means the club has competed in nearly every possible game throughout his tenure.

So, the causes for the current struggles are evident and were highlighted during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already dodgy offensive line, with multiple key players missing.

Even then, Mahomes provided his team a chance, but failed kicks and critical dropped passes—including on a decisive fourth down attempt—confirmed their downfall.

Spotlight: Is the Super Bowl Be Heading for the Western US?

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

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

The other contender, leading the other conference, demonstrated an dynamic offense capable of scoring from any situation. They feature a two-headed ground attack to complement an exceptional aerial game.

A key matchup could be if the high-flying offence can handle the relentless pass rush of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating potential showdown.

Discussion: Travis Kelce Pondering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, remarks from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible departure.

Hearing him say, "each year... I try to cherish since you never know" definitely seemed like the QB was preparing for the veteran to hang up his cleats.

"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 veteran might decide to walk away.

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

Josh Allen put on a show once more for his team in a snowy victory. Allen passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his team's total touchdowns this season.

Allen is the first player in NFL annals with 3,000 pass yards, twenty touchdown passes and 10 running scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he tries to carry the team on his back again as they aim to catch their AFC East rivals, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they play next.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

This Week's Statistical Highlights

• A kickoff return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the season—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
• A star receiver scored 2 scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A dominant defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the campaign, closing in of the single-season record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his team in a upset victory in rainy conditions.
• A team that was shutout one game responded with a clean sheet of its own the next.
• A struggling team watched its star QB come back from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest again with a similar ailment.