- The Kansas City Chiefs face a crucial game against the Houston Texans to keep their postseason hopes alive.
- Rookie quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders will face each other for the first time when the Titans play the Browns.
- The Chicago Bears seek a statement win at Lambeau Field when they face the rival Green Bay Packers.
The Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals are eliminated from playoff contention, but every other team is still mathematically alive as Week 14 gets underway.
This is the time of year when teams make their playoff pushes with just five weeks remaining on the regular-season calendar. A total of 20 NFL teams are at least .500 entering Week 14. Four divisions have three teams with a .500-or-better winning percentage entering Week 14. It’s just the fifth time since 2002 that has occurred, via NFL Research.
King Henry could be difference in battle for first in AFC North
Derrick Henry rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns the last time the Ravens played the Steelers, in the 2024 AFC wild card round. Henry has four games above 100 rushing yards this season. Pittsburgh ranks 24th in run stop win rate, per ESPN. Lamar Jackson has completed less than 60% of his passes in four consecutive games, and Jackson’s overall health might be affecting his performance. The Ravens should try to establish the run with Henry against a vulnerable Pittsburgh defense.
Indianapolis Colts in danger in final five games
Remember when Jonathan Taylor was a leading candidate for MVP? The Colts have since lost three of their past four games and are now tied with Jacksonville atop the AFC South. Indianapolis’ final five games are all against teams with winning records, including two meetings with the Jaguars. The Colts lead the NFL in scoring offense (29.8 points per game), but they haven’t scored more than 23 points in two straight losses.
Are the Chicago Bears for real?
Last week was a signature win for Ben Johnson and the Bears. Chicago’s current position atop the NFC is the biggest surprise in the NFL right now. The Bears lead the league in takeaways (26) and interceptions (17). Veteran safety Kevin Byard has an NFL-high six picks. However, aside from an inconsequential Week 18 game last season, the Bears haven’t defeated the Packers since the 2018 season. A victory Sunday at Lambeau Field would send a loud statement across the NFL that the Bears are for real.
Must-win game for Kansas City Chiefs?
The (6-6) Chiefs enter Week 14 10th in the AFC and firmly on the playoff bubble. Kansas City currently has a 34% chance to make the postseason. A loss would drop their playoff probability to 11%, per Next Gen Stats. Patrick Mahomes is still the best quarterback in the NFL, but he’s going to have to play like it against a Houston defense that leads the NFL in yards allowed (265.7) and gives up the fewest points per game (16.5). Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and the Texans defense rank 10th in pass rush win rate, per ESPN. Kansas City will be without tackle Josh Simmons (wrist), who is on injured reserve.
Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders go head-to-head for first time
The Titans vs. Browns is an intriguing game between two sub.-500 football teams because of the rookie quarterbacks set to start. I still believe Sanders should’ve been the second quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL draft, but there were several factors that caused Sanders to have a precipitous fall to the fifth round. The Browns, led by NFL sack leader Myles Garrett, are the better football team. However, Sanders will make a strong case to be Cleveland’s quarterback of the future if he outperforms Ward.
Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes still alive
The Bengals currently have a 3% chance to make the playoffs, according to Next Gen Stats. I can see Joe Burrow and the Bengals going on a serious run if they upset the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday. Remember Cincinnati was 4-8 at this point last year and won its final five games. The Bills and Ravens, who the Bengals already defeated in Week 13, are the toughest remaining opponents on Cincy’s schedule. Don’t count out the Bengals just yet.
Final five games important for struggling Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy is on track to start Sunday after being cleared of concussion protocol. McCarthy hasn’t played well this season. His 57.9 passer rating is the worst among quarterbacks with at least six starts. The final five games could serve as an audition for McCarthy for 2026 and beyond.
Justin Herbert’s availability, effectiveness
The Chargers and Herbert have expressed confidence in his availability ever since he suffered a fracture in his left hand. The plan is for Herbert to play Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he likely won’t take snaps under center. What could help Herbert and the Chargers offense is the return of rookie RB Omarion Hampton. The Bears gashed Philadelphia for 281 rushing yards last week. Hampton’s possible return along with Kimani Vidal gives Los Angeles a nice one-two punch in the backfield against a soft Philly run defense. Furthermore, the Eagles’ struggling pass offense faces a Chargers defense that ranks second against the pass. The Eagles are rightfully favored, but Monday night’s interconference matchup has some interesting subplots in between the white lines.
Denver Broncos can push win streak to double digits
The Broncos have won nine straight games. Eight of Denver’s wins have come within one score, including against the Las Vegas Raiders, who they face Sunday.
Surging New England Patriots on Week 14 bye
The Patriots have won 10 consecutive games, the longest active win streak in the NFL. Quarterback Drake Maye is an MVP candidate, and Mike Vrabel is on the short list of coach of the year candidates. The AFC’s top seed gets a much-deserved bye in Week 14.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
