Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season marked a changing of the guard at the top of the NFL standings in the AFC and the NFC. In the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts had a disastrous week after losing quarterback Daniel Jones for the season, and the Jacksonville Jaguars took control of the division for the first time this season. The Green Bay Packers took control of the NFC North after picking up a tough win at home against the Chicago Bears. At the top of the AFC, the Denver Broncos have taken over the #1 seed position over the New England Patriots for at least a week. In addition, the Los Angeles Rams have taken over the #1 seed in the NFC after beating the Seattle Seahawks.
Arizona Cardinals = 45 Points Allowed
Entering Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals continued to struggle with injuries to their top offensive players, making their lack of playmakers seem like the main obstacle. Yet this week, a bigger issue arose: their relatively healthy defense was thoroughly dominated by the Rams, who scored 45 points. The result was the Cardinals matching their longest losing streak of the 2025 season with another 5-game losing streak.
Atlanta Falcons = 17 Points in the 3rd Quarter
The only constant for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL season has been inconsistency. At times, the Falcons have appeared dominant, as when they routed the Buffalo Bills, but at other times they’ve struggled to find an identity. Their Week 14 game against the Seattle Seahawks epitomized this: after a competitive first half, a 100-yard Seahawks kickoff return to start the third quarter left Atlanta reeling, setting the stage for Seattle’s decisive second half.
Baltimore Ravens = 33.3% Red Zone TD Rate
The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 season has been defined by missed opportunities. This week, the Ravens had a chance to take control of the AFC North by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, on the offensive side of the ball, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson struggled to execute at key moments. The Ravens entered the red zone 6 times against the Steelers, but poor execution resulted in only 1 touchdown and 3 field goals. Baltimore’s inability to execute in the red zone resulted in a 33% red-zone touchdown rate, which had a big impact in a game Baltimore lost by five points.
Buffalo Bills = 4th Quarter Pick-Six
The Buffalo Bills nearly stumbled in their pursuit of the Patriots atop the AFC East. For most of this week’s game, they wrestled for control of the Bengals. However, in the fourth quarter, the Bills’ defense surged, snatching two passes, one of which was returned for a pick-six by cornerback Christian Benford. Those takeaways and the defensive touchdown catapulted Buffalo into the lead, and quarterback Josh Allen then commandeered the offense to clinch the win.
Carolina Panthers = 7-6 Record
The Carolina Panthers started 2025 NFL season aiming to compete for the top of the NFC South. During their bye week, the Panthers pause to reflect and see that they have positioned themselves exactly where they want to be in the division. Carolina sits less than a game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and if Tampa Bay loses this week, the teams will tie for the division lead. The Panthers owe much of their success to their defense, which consistently forces turnovers.
Chicago Bears = Interception on the Last Drive
This week, the Chicago Bears had a chance to take full control of the NFC North division. However, as the Bears attempted to finish their last drive of the game with a touchdown to tie the game or take the lead with a 2-point conversion, Caleb Williams threw an interception in their own end zone. That interception allowed the Green Bay Packers to seal the win against the Bears and replace Chicago at the top of the standings in the NFC North.
Cincinnati Bengals = Two 4th Quarter Turnovers
Heading into Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, the Bengals had a chance to rejoin the AFC North race after a big win over the Ravens. Their challenge was traveling to Buffalo, where they needed to execute their offense in snowy conditions. For three quarters, the Bengals built a lead against a tough Bills team also fighting for a playoff spot. In the fourth quarter, however, Joe Burrow threw two interceptions. After the second, with 5:25 left, the Bengals allowed a defensive touchdown. Despite several chances for big wins this season, the Bengals once again came up short.
Cleveland Browns = 0% for 2-Point Conversions
While no NFL team is going to admit to not doing all they can to win every game in a season, it appeared the Browns could have been doing that when they chose to go for a 2-point conversion twice in a row against the Tennessee Titans. Had the Browns kicked extra points after their last two touchdowns, they would have forced the game to go into overtime. However, the Browns went for 2 points, and the play calls were either intentionally bad or the Browns’ coaching staff has some unusual logic in pressure situations.
Dallas Cowboys = 5 Field Goals
In recent weeks, the Dallas Cowboys have made notable strides and positioned themselves as contenders to re-enter the playoff picture. The Cowboys treated their Thursday Night Game as a must-win in order to overcome a bad start. However, the Cowboys failed to finish drives on offense and settled for field goals. Brandon Aubrey made three field goals from 55+ yards. Although three points help, the Cowboys could not keep up when their opponent answered each field goal with a touchdown.
Denver Broncos = 152 Total Rushing Yards
The Denver Broncos are definitely not the most exciting team in the NFL, but style points do not lead to wins. Denver extended their current winning streak to 10 wins by playing good defense and running the ball well against the Raiders. This week, the Broncos ran for 152 total rushing yards, which enabled Denver to control the game and keep its defense off the field. It is difficult to beat a team like the Broncos when they keep grinding out first downs and then come back with a strong defensive effort.
Detroit Lions = 3 Forced Turnovers
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The Detroit Lions entered their Week 14 Thursday Night Football game desperate for a win. After a Thanksgiving loss to the Packers, the Lions trailed the Packers and Bears atop the NFC North. They played the Cowboys like it was a playoff game. The offense responded with 44 points, while the defense set up success by forcing three turnovers: a Brian Branch fumble recovery and interceptions from Derrick Barnes and D.J. Reed.
Green Bay Packers = Four Explosive Run Plays
The Green Bay Packers picked up a big win against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. For the moment, the Packers take control of the NFC North. A big reason for the Packers’ win was their offense’s ability to generate four explosive runs. Those big runs extended drives for Green Bay and put them in position to score touchdowns against a Bears defense that struggles when it comes to stopping the run. By the end of the game, it was clear the Packers’ offense and running back Josh Jacobs did just enough to get a big win against the Bears.
Houston Texans = +3 Turnover Margin
The Houston Texans are officially on a win streak after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. A big part of the Texans’ winning effort was outstanding play by the Texans’ defense. Houston applied pressure on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes the entire game, and they won the second half by forcing the Chiefs to turn the ball over. Those turnovers came in the form of three interceptions that the Texans’ defense picked off from Mahomes. In addition to forcing multiple turnovers, the Texans also protected the ball on offense, going turnover-free in the game.
Indianapolis Colts = Three 1st Half Turnovers
It would be hard for Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season to get any worse for the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis traveled to Jacksonville with the top spot in the AFC South hanging in the balance. Consequently, the Colts fell behind the Jaguars in the division standings for the first time this season after taking a painful loss to a division foe. In the first half, the Colts had a disastrous start to the game with three first-half turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble. In addition, the Colts lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones for the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. Backup quarterback Riley Leonard finished the game for the Colts in a losing effort.
Jacksonville Jaguars = 14 Points Off Turnovers
While the Indianapolis Colts were forced to watch their lead in the AFC South slip away, the Jacksonville Jaguars were busy playing good football. Where the Jacksonville Jaguars separated themselves from the Colts was their ability to score 14 points off of two of the Colts’ three turnovers. In addition to turning turnovers into points on the scoreboard, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence played his second straight game without turning the ball over.
Kansas City Chiefs = Four Drive-Killing Mistakes
The end of a dynasty in the NFL can be a slow and agonizing process for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs. While Kansas City has been focused on overcoming a slow start to the season and earning a playoff spot, it has been losing ground in the AFC West. This week, the Chiefs took another loss, which has made their chances of making the playoffs very low. In addition, the Chiefs have won the division 9 seasons in a row, but they are now officially out of the race for the top spot. This loss to the Texans came after quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense made four drive-killing mistakes with three interceptions and a fumble on a 4th and short play.
Las Vegas Raiders = 33% Success on 3rd Down
During the last couple of weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense has been a complete disaster. That lack of success on offense makes it a bad time to face one of the NFL’s best defenses. However, that was the position the Raiders found themselves in while hosting the Denver Broncos. On the other hand, the Raiders managed the game and kept themselves in it until the end of the 4th quarter. While a Raiders win over the Broncos was unlikely, they would have had a better chance if they hadn’t struggled on 3rd downs, converting just 3 of 9. That 33% 3rd down conversion rate was not good enough against a solid Broncos team that has won 10 straight games.
Los Angeles Chargers = Forced Five Turnovers
The Los Angeles Chargers have taken a big step forward towards returning to the playoffs for the 2025 NFL season. On Monday Night Football, the Chargers upset the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime. However, the Chargers’ offense struggled to gain traction against the Eagles’ defense, but the Chargers’ defense saved the day. Defensively, the Chargers forced the Eagles to turn the ball over five times, including intercepting four of Jalen Hurts’ passes and recovering a Hurts fumble. While getting the win was not easy, the Chargers picked up a big overtime win against Philadelphia with Chargers defensive back Tony Jefferson ending the game with an interception.
Los Angeles Rams = 10.7 Rushing Yards/Carry
The Los Angeles Rams traveled to Arizona hoping to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers last week. Fortunately for the Rams, the Cardinals’ defense was no match for a loaded Rams offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford got back to playing at an MVP-level with three touchdown passes. But the outstanding play by running back Blake Corum allowed the Rams to control the game from start to finish. Corum averaged 10.7 rushing yards/carry while gaining 128 rushing yards with only 12 carries. In addition, Corum also scored two rushing touchdowns for the Rams.
Miami Dolphins = 100% Red Zone TD Rate
Don’t look now, but the Miami Dolphins currently have the same record this season as the Kansas City Chiefs. Miami has had to put together several wins in a row to climb back to a record that gives it a chance to compete for an AFC wild-card spot. Miami’s latest win came in a dominant road performance against the New York Jets. A big part of the Dolphins’ success against the Jets was their 100% touchdown rate in the red zone. The Dolphins were able to score touchdowns on all four of their trips to the red zone against the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings = 19 Play Scoring Drive
Over the last several weeks, the Minnesota Vikings have hit a low point in their quest to reach the playoffs in the NFC. Much of the Vikings’ problems have been on the offensive side of the ball, especially last week when quarterback Max Brosmer threw four interceptions. This week, the Vikings welcomed back starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and Minnesota’s offense was significantly better than it was against the Seahawks last week. This week, against the Washington Commanders, the Vikings dominated. A microcosm of the Vikings’ success against Washington was their 19-play, 98-yard drive that lasted 12 minutes and 1 second.
New England Patriots = 10 Game Win Streak
The New England Patriots can rest and recover before making their push for the top of the AFC East and the NFL playoffs. Entering their bye week, they’re on a 10-game winning streak with the NFL’s best record at 11-2. This week, the Patriots must prepare for their final postseason push. Still, the bye week could disrupt their momentum and open the door for a loss. How the Patriots handle this crucial break could define their playoff run.
New Orleans Saints = 2 Rushing Touchdowns
After several close losses this season, the Saints finally found a way to pick up another win. That win came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, putting the Buccaneers in a position where they may not win the NFC South after winning the division four seasons in a row. The player who made the biggest impact for the Saints against the Buccaneers was rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. During crunch time, Shough had two big run plays that resulted in two rushing touchdowns. One of those big runs was a 39-yard touchdown run, and another 13-yard run to put the Saints up over Tampa Bay for the win.
New York Giants = -7 Turnover Margin
The New York Giants have had both highs and lows this season. At times, they seem to make progress, especially when rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart plays well. Some weeks, though, their weaknesses show. The Giants are currently 2-11. Two main reasons explain their record. First, they are losing the turnover battle with a -7 margin. They give away scoring chances and help opponents score. Second, their pass protection is weak, putting Jaxson Dart at risk each week.
New York Jets = 2.6 Rushing Yards/Carry
During their first season under head coach Aaron Glenn, the New York Jets have been working to build a reputation for being a strong running team on offense. However, that is a difficult process for a Jets team that lacks high-quality talent at several offensive positions. This week, against the Miami Dolphins, the Jets failed to get their running game going and ended up running for only 65 yards. It is hard for an NFL team whose identity is built on controlling the game with their rushing offense, especially when the offense is only averaging 2.6 rushing yards/carry.
Philadelphia Eagles = -5 Turnover Differential
Over the course of the last several weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles have gone from being the best team in the NFL to struggling to hold off the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East. The Eagles began to turn their fortunes around when they passed the ball more often, following public complaints from wide receiver A.J. Brown. Rather than leaning on Saquon Barkley and a strong running game led by one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, the Eagles are now literally throwing games away by transitioning to a pass-heavy offense. This week, the Eagles lost another game despite their defense putting on a dominant performance against the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense. Turnovers canceled out the outstanding play of the Eagles’ defense, with Jalen Hurts throwing four interceptions and losing the ball on a fumble.
Pittsburgh Steelers =284 Passing Yards
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, now is better than never for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to have his best performance for the 2025 NFL season. This week, the Steelers were in a head-to-head matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, with the top spot in the AFC North hanging in the balance. After struggling with consistency and with injuries recently, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stepped up his game, passing for 284 yards. A big part of the Steelers’ offensive success in the passing game was wide receiver DK Metcalf’s ability to produce explosive plays of over 40 yards.
San Francisco 49ers = 62.5% Red Zone TD Rate
The San Francisco 49ers have exceeded expectations this season despite early injuries to key players. Regardless of who is on the field, they consistently compete and often win. Their key to success amid these challenges has been converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Currently, the 49ers boast a 62.5% red-zone touchdown rate, ranking 9th in the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks = 100-Yard Kickoff Return TD
The Seattle Seahawks were able to pick up a big road win against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season. During the first half, the Seahawks found themselves in an intense battle against an aggressive Falcons defense. But at the start of the 2nd half, the Seahawks’ kick returner Rashid Shaheed broke the game open with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. That return gave the Seahawks the boost they needed to run away with the game in the second half.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers = 29% 4th Down Rate
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season needing to pick up a win against the struggling New Orleans Saints, with the Carolina Panthers breathing down their necks. As a result of that pressure, the Buccaneers made some poor decisions during the game, including going for it on 4th down 7 times against the Saints. However, the Buccaneers’ gambles did not pay off, with Tampa Bay only successfully picking up a first down on two of the seven attempts. Five turnovers on downs put the Buccaneers in a tough spot against the Saints, and a 29% 4th down conversion rate ended up being too much for Tampa Bay to overcome.
Tennessee Titans = 161 Rushing Yards
For the Tennessee Titans, wins have been hard to come by this season. In the Titans’ last two games, Tennessee had kept them close, giving them hope at the end of both. This week, the Titans took advantage of several opportunities to overcome their past struggles and earn another road win against the Cleveland Browns. Titans running back Tony Pollard provided the Tennessee offense with a big boost with 161 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against a stout Browns defense. On the other hand by winning the game in Cleveland, the Titans lost their lead for the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Washington Commanders = 0% Red Zone Rate
This week, the Washington Commanders were officially eliminated from the NFL playoffs for the 2025 season after being shut out by the Minnesota Vikings. The Commanders’ offense lost tight end Zach Ertz during the game with a torn ACL. In addition, the Commanders were never able to get into a flow offensively. Despite their lack of offensive production, the Commanders reached the red zone twice against the Vikings but failed to score both times. A 0% red zone efficiency rating was a big part of the Commanders’ ability to compete against Minnesota.
