Week 14 in the NFL had a lot of big matchups, and many featured either a lot of scoring or tense, close finishes. Some gave us both. That's what you get when the December stretch run arrives and that pre-playoff feel is in the air.
Get the byes out of our faces because it's nothing but wall-to-wall football for the final four weeks of the regular season. It's time for the playoff push, the home stretch and for some teams potentially tanking a bit for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft (even if it's just quiet quitting). But that's all stuff we have to weigh as we go into our NFL Week 15. The NFC and AFC contenders are tuning up ahead of potentially deep January runs. The fading or faded teams are looking to play major spoilers as they try to take more positive steps ahead of next season. The intersection will continue to be fun through the end of the regular season.
It's going to be a fun week but the two headliners that every fan should be dialed in for is a pair of cross-conference matchups between contenders. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills off a tough loss now have to go to Detroit and battle the scorching hot Lions. Not too far down the road, the battle for Pennsylvania will commence as the Steelers travel to Philadelphia for a showdown with the Eagles. That's not all that the Week 15 slate has to offer, of course, including a shocking line as the Cowboys are underdogs to the once-lowly Panthers.
1. Detroit Lions 12-1
The Lions knew they were in for a doozy vs. the Packers, and they kept answering with clutch plays with their running backs and Jared Goff. They will continue to get battle-tested well for the playoffs with AFC power Buffalo visiting next.
2. Kansas City Chiefs 12-1
The Chiefs knew they were in for a gritty, physical grind against the Chargers again, and they survived with their clutch three-phase moxie, with the help of a fortunate bounce. Their ninth straight division title may feel like luck, but remember that also can be defined as the residue of design.
3. Philadelphia Eagles 11-2
The Eagles were maybe caught looking ahead to the Keystone State bragging right battle in Pittsburgh, but given their rushing prowess and recent defensive dominance, they should have not played down to the Panthers. However, the 1-2 punch of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley still makes it difficult to outscore them.
4. Buffalo Bills 10-3
The Bills' defense, special teams, and traditional running game all got lost in Los Angeles, but Josh Allen didn't. They can't afford a similar breakdown around their MVP QB again with the Lions next on the road.
5. Minnesota Vikings 11-2
The Vikings have been questioned for some holes in their defense and having limited balance to help them on offense. But when they're rolling with Sam Darnold and his weapons in the passing game and coming up with key pressure and turnovers, they can beat anybody.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-3
The Steelers handled the Browns this time around cleaning up their mess from the first meeting with improved clutch defense and better offensive red-zone play. They are developing into an AFC title threat ahead of their clashes with the Eagles and Chiefs.
7. Green Bay Packers 9-4
The Packers did their best with Josh Jacobs to pound on the Lions, but they simply didn't get the ball back to have a shot at the end. They are right there with the Vikings and Lions in their capacity to get hot in the playoffs.
8. Baltimore Ravens 8-5
The Ravens got a much-needed bye to reset a bit for the stretch run and playoffs, more so to get their defense resettled than to worry about Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the offensive upside going forward.
9. Los Angeles Chargers 8-5
The Chargers are sorting through some offensive injuries again but are hanging tough with the running game and defense continuing to do their part for Jim Harbaugh. The division title isn't happening in his first season, but they're still in great shape for a wild card.
10. Washington Commanders 8-5
The Commanders are looking better for locking down a wild-card berth after beating the Titans before the Week 14 bye. Their schedule sets them up well the rest of the way beyond a Week 16 home rematch with the Eagles.
Let’s not forget these teams
Los Angeles Rams 7-6
Seattle Seahawks 8-5
Houston Texans 8-5
Denver Broncos 8-5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-6