NFL Week 14 was full of thrilling moments, surprising upsets, and jaw-dropping plays. From divisional clinches to devastating losses, here are the real winners and losers of the week:
The Chiefs’ Winning Streak Continues Kansas City clinched the AFC West with a dramatic victory, marking their dominance in the division. The Chiefs are now the only team to have three different kickers score game-winning field goals in a single season. Even their “dink” kicker won them a crucial game, further cementing their reputation for finding ways to win, no matter how bizarre.
Detroit Lions Shine The Lions continue to surprise the NFL world. After a dominant victory over the Packers, they extended their winning streak to 11 games. Detroit secured a playoff spot for the second consecutive year, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1995. The Lions’ defense, despite being patched together with free agents, played a crucial role in their victory.
Sam Darnold’s MVP Candidacy? Sam Darnold has quietly put together an incredible stretch of games. With 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last four outings, Darnold is suddenly the dark horse MVP candidate. His performance against the Falcons showcased his ability to make plays and get his team in position to win.
The Vikings’ Quarterback Dilemma While the Vikings have been winning, Kirk Cousins’ recent performances are concerning. His struggle to find the end zone continues, and his four-game streak without a touchdown pass has put pressure on Minnesota’s playoff hopes. As rumors swirl about possibly benching Cousins, the Vikings are questioning whether they should look to the future with a new quarterback.
The Bills’ Heartbreaking Loss Buffalo’s high-flying offense was on full display, with Josh Allen accounting for 424 total yards and six touchdowns. Despite this, the Bills still lost to the Rams in a thrilling shootout. Allen’s historic performance, which included three passing and three rushing touchdowns, was overshadowed by the Bills’ inability to stop Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
New Orleans Saints’ Woes The Saints were already without Derek Carr due to injury, but now they will be without him for even longer. After a rough season, the Saints’ playoff hopes took a hit with Carr’s concussion and hand injury, leaving their quarterback situation up in the air.
Giants’ Late-Game Blunders The New York Giants, already struggling, ended their game against the Eagles with an incredibly dumb sequence. Drew Lock threw a pick to seal the loss, and a missed field goal ended the game with the Giants’ hopes dashed. Despite the drama, this was another example of their inability to close out games.
The Packers’ Season Slips Away Aaron Rodgers’ Packers were eliminated from playoff contention after a tough loss to the Lions. Despite a few rushing touchdowns from Josh Jacobs, Jordan Love and the Packers couldn’t get over the hump, leaving their fans disappointed yet again. Packers fans are now scrambling for excuses as the season slips away.
The Rams’ Surprise Performance Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua combined for an incredible 254 yards and three touchdowns against the Bills. They proved once again why they’re one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league. Even with Matthew Stafford’s impressive passing performance, it was the Rams’ star receivers who willed them to victory in a must-win game.
The Seahawks and Steelers’ Playoff Push Both the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers are now in control of their own destiny as the playoff race heats up. The Steelers continue to find ways to win, while the Seahawks’ defense has stepped up to complement their offense.
Conclusion: NFL Week 14 delivered plenty of drama, with some teams solidifying their playoff spots while others face difficult questions about their future. As the season heads into the final stretch, the race for the postseason is only going to get more intense.