The Best 1-on-1 Matchups to Watch in Week 14

It’s time for December football. Many teams are already playing pseudo-playoff games, and every game has massive implications. Whether it be a chance at making the playoffs, or securing a higher seed or bye, every game counts now. Here’s a look at some of the key 1-on-1 matchups this week that will determine the winners of winter football in Week 14.

Cowboys @ Lions – Quinnen Williams vs. Jahmyr Gibbs

For as long as I can remember, the Cowboys’ run defense and specifically their defensive tackles have been a weakness of the team. But that all changed when they added Kenny Clark in the offseason, and especially after trading for Quinnen Williams. Since the trade, they have allowed under 70 rush yards per game, according to First Things First. This week, in a must-win game, they face one of the best running backs in the NFL. Jahmyr Gibbs has the potential to take over a game, and just two weeks ago, he had 219 rush yards and 2 touchdowns. However, he also has the potential to be shut down, with 7 games under 70 yards this year, and 3 games under 40 yards. If Quinnen can shut Jahmyr down, especially with Amon-Ra St.Brown injured, the Cowboys could run away with this huge Thursday night game.

Titans @ Browns – Myles Garrett vs. The Single-Season Sack Record

Sorry, Titans, but there’s no one on your team worth mentioning. This game is all about an all-time great and future Hall of Famer adding another pelt to his wall. With 19 sacks on the year, he needs just 4 more sacks to claim the single-season record. He could easily hit that mark in his game with the way the Titans’ offense has been playing. It’s always a joy to watch Myles Garrett work, and we’ll all be rooting for him to make history this Sunday.

Seahawks @ Falcons – Sam Darnold vs. Pass Rush

The Seahawks have been playing great football and look poised for a potential playoff run. Sam Darnold has looked like a great choice, and the Vikings probably had some regret after he carved them up last week. But we all saw what happened last year when the stakes got high for Sam, and especially when he’s under pressure. For once in the history of the Falcons, they actually have a good pass rush. The stakes of this game are as low as they can be in December. It may determine seeding, but no one really expects the Falcons can win. If Sam withers under pressure from a team not even sniffing the playoffs, there could be cause for concern for the Seahawks when the pressure does ratchet up.

Colts @ Jaguars – Daniel Jones vs. Trevor Lawrence, Who Can We Trust?

The battle for the AFC South has really heated up in the last couple of weeks. It once looked like the Colts had a stranglehold on the division, but just when they’ve faltered slightly, the Jags and Texans are surging. All three teams have their flaws, and I don’t think anyone fully trusts any of the three quarterbacks. If one of them can cement themselves in this key division battle, maybe we’ll be able to pick an AFC South front runner that we love.

Commanders @ Vikings – JJ McCarthy vs. His Own Career

If we learned one thing last week, it’s that Max Brosmer is definitely not the answer in Minnesota. But up to this point, it doesn’t really seem like J.J. McCarthy is either. The Vikings’ season is over, and it’s been a huge disappointment. For J.J, all that’s left is to show his potential and cement his place as the guy for the Vikings. The Commanders’ defense isn’t great, and they certainly provide an opportunity to strut his stuff. But if JJ underwhelms yet again, the Vikings may even look at Marcus Mariota, who’s been a backup for a few years now, with envy.

Bengals @ Bills – Ja’Marr Chase vs. Christian Benford

The AFC playoff picture is looking very tight at the moment, and although the Bills are the 7 seed and the Bengals are the 12 seed, they’re both technically still in it due to the weak AFC North. As usual in December, this game is a borderline must-win for both teams. For the Bengals to keep their playoff chances alive, they basically have to win. The Bills, being just on the edge of the playoffs, need every win they can get. Joe Burrow is back, and it’s time for Ja’Marr Chase to remind us why he makes all that money. The Bills have struggled defending the run, but their pass defense is one of the best in the league. If Burrow and Chase get going, they could spoil the Bills and keep their playoff hopes alive. It’s up to the Bills’ secondary to stop that from happening.

Saints @ Buccaneers – The Bucs vs. Health

All of a sudden, the Bucs’ iron grip on the NFC South is under threat. The Panthers are breathing down their necks, and they are one of the most injured teams in the league. Baker, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving were all banged up, though they did practice. They’ll likely still be missing Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, as well as stud tackle Tristan Wirfs. The Saints don’t typically represent a huge threat, though you never know with a division game. For the Bucs, it’s all about getting and staying healthy so they can maintain their grip on their division and prepare for the playoffs.

Steelers @ Ravens – Lamar vs. His Own Legs

It’s fair to say Lamar hasn’t been himself, and the likely explanation is injury. He seems to have injuries cascading down his leg, and he certainly doesn’t move the way we’re used to. The Ravens are reeling after losing to the Bengals last week, and this game is for the division lead. The Ravens defense has rounded into form somewhat, and no one fears Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense. Mike Tomlin is on the hot seat, and everyone expects Lamar and the Ravens to win this division. It’s on him to get back to 100% or as close as he can and win this game (and the division) convincingly.

Dolphins @ Jets – Mike McDaniel vs. Aaron Glenn

Both of these coaches and teams have struggled, and both franchises have a lot of questions to answer. Neither is going anywhere this year, though the Dolphins have started to show some flashes. Ultimately, the only thing at stake is who will stay with these organizations next year, both players and coaches. Winning division games is your #1 job as a head coach, and if Aaron Glenn can’t do that, he may be one and done. If Mike McDaniel loses to the flailing Jets, then he could be done in Miami. For these coaches, this meaningless game couldn’t be more important.

Broncos @ Raiders – Bo Nix vs. Maxx Crosby Trap Game

Everyone expects the Broncos to roll the Raiders, and for good reason. Nothing has gone right for Las Vegas since they started 2-0 somehow. Maxx Crosby is essentially the only standout player on their team, and he is excellent. The Broncos, meanwhile, still have a decent shot at the #1 seed and have looked excellent at times. However, you can never be certain about a division game, and this could be a prime trap game. The Broncos have been involved in numerous one-score games, including a 10-7 win over this very team, in which Bo Nix was booed at home. Don’t be surprised if you look up and this game hangs in the balance, or the Raiders lead, and all of a sudden, we are questioning the Broncos.

Rams @ Cardinals – Matthew Stafford vs. Walter Nolen

Matthew Stafford has been the MVP front-runner for most of the year and has played some incredible football this year. However, with the way Drake Maye and Dak Prescott have been playing, it suddenly doesn’t seem like as much of a one-man race. After a shocking loss to the Panthers, the Rams desperately need a get-right game to maintain their lead in the best division in football. The Cardinals are already eliminated, but young players like Walter Nolen have looked good and need to prove themselves. Can Stafford cook and re-establish himself as the best in the league? Or can the Cardinals play spoiler on their division rival?

Bears @ Packers – Micah Parsons vs. Darnell Wright

Both of these teams had sensational performances this Thanksgiving weekend, and this battle for the NFC North will be one for the ages. Micah Parsons had 2.5 sacks on Turkey Day, and he has made a huge impact on many of the Packers’ games. Meanwhile, the Bears run the ball at one of the best clips in the league, supposedly Micah’s weakness. Darnell Wright has quietly played like an All-Pro during this incredible Bears run. If the Bears can spoil Green Bay’s all-in move to get Micah, they can actually “take the North”. Or Micah can prove he was worth the huge haul and carry the Packers to the promised land.

Texans @ Chiefs – Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson vs. Battered O-Line

Another pseudo-playoff game in primetime, between two teams with their backs against the ropes. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, 3/5ths of their starting offensive line is injured, and they come up against the best defense in the NFL. This pair of edge rushers can be a menace to opposing quarterbacks, and their interior is pretty good, too. Can the KC backup linemen help Mahomes work some magic and squeak out this game? Or will the stout Texans’ defense give him problems and potentially end their season?

Eagles @ Chargers – Kevin Patullo vs. Jessie Minter

Another huge primetime game between two teams jockeying for playoff position, with a lot of narratives swirling around them. The Eagles’ offense has serious issues, and they are in the midst of a losing streak. A lot of fingers have been pointed at Kevin Patullo, and for good reason. Saquon looks like a completely different guy due to the offensive line struggles, and the drama surrounding Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown has been a huge distraction. On the other hand, Jessie Minter and the Chargers’ defense are the talk of the town, despite featuring only a couple of household names. If the Chargers beat the Eagles, it will be panic time in Philadelphia, and especially for the offense.