What a week of NFL. The San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints classic, the Kansas City Chiefs' revenge in Foxborough, the Denver Broncos galloping all over the Houston Texans.

It was difficult to know what to watch on Sunday with so many good games, and important play-off deciding ties.

As we grind into the final few weeks of the season, the matchups seem to be taking on more and more importance with just two of the divisions mathematically decided.

Here are five things we noticed in an incredible Week 14.

The shootout in the Dome

That was truly exhilarating.

There seems little doubt that the 48–46 gunfight between the 49ers and Saints will end up being the best game of the year.

What should be most noted though, is the ability of Jimmy Garoppolo to stand up and be counted when his defence was struggling.

The season has been waiting on Garoppolo to produce a performance worthy of crowning the 49ers a Super Bowl favourite.

Well here you go doubters. Jimmy G’s ability to get the ball to his playmakers quickly and consistently throughout made it possible to keep up with Drew Brees and Sean Payton.

This was no defensive masterclass; this was a coming-out party for San Frans' number 10.

The MVP race continues

Another weekend down, another twist in the race for the MVP.

Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson all had potentially their worst weekend of football this year, without a single 300-yard passing game between them.

Now instead of becoming a week where a candidate managed to set themselves apart as the one and only option to receive the award, we now just have three resumes with a slight dent in them.

One of these young quarterbacks will eventually still collect the honour, but the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams' defenses specifically proved that it is possible to stop these weapons.

Apart from Watson, losing teams sit on the schedule for both the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks, so expect to see a return to form in Week 15.

Tom Brady, get out the kitchen.

The Kansas City Chiefs proved once again on Sunday night, that pressure creates diamonds.

The array of blitz packages used heated things up far too much for the perennial Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady who struggled again, throwing for just 169 yards.

The old adage about never counting out Brady and the Patriots is still in play but having lost their 21-game winning streak in Foxborough and slipping to 2-3 since their 8-0 start, things look far less certain.

To say Tom Brady is done seems a bit brave before we get to the playoffs, but it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility to imagine he might be on the downward slope to Father Time’s front door.

Ekeler and James

Rather than being a pair of lawyers like it sounds, Austin Ekeler and Derwin James are actually the future of this Los Angeles Chargers team.

Austin Ekeler’s ability to be effective in both the running and passing game has made him a major threat in this Chargers offence and he finished on Sunday with over 210 all-purpose yards.

Like Alvin Kamara, his big games come from having the support of a bigger back in Melvin Gordon, as Kamara did with Ingram.

Therefore, don’t sell up Gordon and expect the same production, as the Saints did.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers have Pro Bowl sophomore Derwin James back from injury and how obvious it is.

The Chargers defense gave up its lowest points total of the season with their signal-caller back in business.

Oh, Jameis.

The only thing Jameis Winston can constantly do is be entertaining.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's four touchdown, three interception performance again the Indianapolis Colts was a microcosm of his entire NFL career – wildly fun but utterly damaging.

Somehow, Winston is currently on track for a 5,000-yard passing season under Bruce Arians' guidance, which seems almost unfathomable.

More questions will come after this season finishes, with regards to whether Winston stays or goes, but just know that if the Bucs release him, there will be a bunch of young offensive gurus who see their future in getting the best out of Winston’s huge arm.

Expect Winston to start in some form at some team next season.