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Each matchup matters from here on in, with a number of huge conclusions in week 14 that could determine postseason positions come the conclusion of the year.

A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a big setback to Lamar Jackson's play-off aspirations, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defence posed a huge challenge and may have ended the Kansas City Chiefs season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Expectations

Three critical division clashes delivered.

Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a fractured wrist, steered his team to a tough 27-22 win in on the road. The future Hall of Famer recorded his first running touchdown in nearly three seasons, however it was his long throws to his top receiver that proved to be the difference.

Lamar Jackson was out of sync as his team missed crucial chances—though they were frustrated by a fourth-quarter touchdown being overturned. These teams will meet once more on the last day of the season.

In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a classic encounter. Even with touchdown bombs, an worn-out defensive unit had to stop another fourth-quarter rally from the opposing rookie QB in the freezing conditions.

The result gave one side a slender advantage in their NFC North, while the defeated team plummeted from the NFC's number one seed all the way to seventh.

Analysis: Where Has It Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?

Projections assign the Chiefs only a fifteen percent probability of making the postseason. In all likelihood, this could be the initial missed post-season for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.

During Mahomes' seven complete years as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to 7 conference championship contests and 5 Super Bowls. That means the team has played almost each possible game throughout his time.

Therefore, the reasons for this year's struggles are evident and were highlighted during Sunday's loss. Absences ravaged an already struggling offensive line, with multiple key players out.

Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, however failed field goals and crucial dropped passes—such as on a key fourth-down play—sealed their fate.

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

Two top teams from the western conferences are making strong arguments for championship favorites.

One team, atop their the AFC, claimed the most recent title held at this year's venue. They are constructed on a dominant defence that leads the league in quarterback takedowns and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.

The second team, leading the other conference, showcased an dynamic offence capable of putting points on the board from any situation. They feature a two-headed running game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.

A key matchup could be if the potent offense could withstand the smothering pressure of the top defensive unit—what would be a fascinating playoff matchup.

Talking Point: A Star Tight End Considering Calling It Quits?

Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from Patrick Mahomes about his longtime tight end sparked rumors about a potential departure.

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

"The tight end will have the option to do what he wants to do after this season," he continued. Should the year ends prematurely for the Chiefs, the 3x champion winner might decide to walk away.

Looking Ahead: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15

The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a wintry win. Allen threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a remarkable percentage of his offense's total scores this year.

He is the only player in league history with 3,000 passing yards, 20 TD throws and ten rushing scores in 3 consecutive seasons.

Next, he puts the Bills on his shoulders again as they try to catch their AFC East foes, the Patriots—and, they are exactly who they face this coming Sunday.

Key Upcoming Week Games:

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

Week 14 Statistical Highlights

• A kick-off runback for a 100-yard score—the biggest play of the season—sparked a scoring blitz for one team.
• A star receiver scored two scores and is still on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
• A feared defensive end notched his 20th sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
• An overseas placekicker helped his squad in a upset victory in soggy weather.
• A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a shutout of its own the following week.
• A reeling team saw its franchise quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to exit the contest once more with a similar injury.