- The Chiefs are on their last legs: The 6-6 Chiefs are desperate to make the playoffs and are on the outside looking in; can they topple an elite Texans defense in Week 14?
- Three top-of-the-division battles: Bears vs. Packers, Steelers vs. Ravens and Colts vs. Jaguars are all top-of-the-division matchups with plenty at stake.
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Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes
We're diving into every matchup in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch and injury news. The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions kick things off on Thursday Night Football.
Click here to jump to a game:
DAL@DET | SEA@ATL | PIT@BAL | CIN@BUF | TEN@CLE | MIA@NYJ | IND@JAX | WAS@MIN | NO@TB | DEN@LV | LAR@ARZ | CHI@GB | HOU@KC | LAC@PHI
Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions (-3)
Storyline of the game: The Cowboys and Lions are both getting desperate
The preseason expectations for the Lions, even in a post-Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn world, were high. The Lions (92.6 grade; 3rd) have one of the best rosters in the NFL, but currently sit 7-5 after an inconsistent campaign and are on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Meanwhile, the Cowboys (80.3 grade; 11th) have turned their season around in the last three weeks, but it might be too little too late.
Both teams are clawing to make the postseason, but a loss for either team practically ends its hopes. The Lions have a 44% chance of making the playoffs, while the Cowboys have 21% odds. Only one team can win, but both teams are in go mode.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys T Nathan Thomas vs. Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
Given that the Cowboys will be without Tyler Guyton (58.1 grade; 60th) for the second straight game, it’ll be up to 2024 seventh-round pick Nathan Thomas (45.4 grade) to deputize. Thomas has allowed three pressures in 66 pass-blocking snaps in the last two weeks and has been surprisingly assured in pass-protection, earning a 70.1 PFF pass-blocking grade.
Things will get more difficult for Thomas in Week 14, as he takes on Lions star Aidan Hutchinson (90.5 grade; 4th). Hutchinson has been a pressure machine in 2025, leading all defenders with 71, while his 10 sacks are top 10 at the position.
Additional News
- Lions T Penei Sewell (shoulder) is questionable.
- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (concussion/knee) was designated to return from injured reserve but has been ruled out.
Seattle Seahawks (-7.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons
Storyline of the game: Can the Seahawks keep pace with the Rams?
The Seahawks (92.7 grade; 2nd) were handed a lifeline in the race for the NFC West crown in Week 13 with the Rams slipping up against the Panthers. Seattle took care of business against the Vikings and now has the chance to stay hot on the heels of the Rams with a win against the Falcons in Week 14.
The Seahawks’ offense (83.6 grade; 2nd) faced some adversity against the Vikings in Week 13, but will look to bounce back against a Falcons defense (67.4 grade; 16th) that’s gone off the boil a little in recent weeks.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold vs. Falcons’ pass blitz
The Falcons blitz at the second-highest rate on passing downs in the NFL (45.6%), and are behind only to the Vikings. A week ago, the Vikings blitzed Sam Darnold (82.8 grade; 6th) on 66.7% of his dropbacks, with Darnold completing 8-of-18 passes for 88 yards while compiling a 37.0 overall PFF grade.
Darnold has earned an 80.7 grade against the blitz in 2025 and has more big-time throws (11) in those situations than any other quarterback. But the Vikings came heavy and hard, batting four passes at the line of scrimmage.
The Falcons’ defense is 12th in EPA per play when blitzing this season. After a tough performance in Week 13, Darnold could struggle if blitzed at a high rate again.
Additional News
- Seahawks S Julian Love (hamstring) is likely to be designated to return from IR this week.
- Falcons WR Drake London (knee) is considered day-to-day and could play vs. the Seahawks.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (-5.5)
Storyline of the game: The first big showdown to decide the AFC North
The Ravens (73.2 grade; 20th) have been atop the AFC North for a couple of weeks now, but the battle between them and the Steelers (75.6 grade; 19th) for the top spot in the division has felt a little flat. Both teams lost in Week 13, and the Ravens have felt a little disjointed on offense since Lamar Jackson (62.6 grade; 32nd) returned to the lineup. However, a face-off between the two 6-6 franchises could ignite some needed fire into the last few weeks of the season.
Matchup to watch: Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf vs. Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey
D.K. Metcalf’s (70.1 grade; 43rd) involvement in the Steelers’ offense (66.6 grade; 26th) has dwindled in recent weeks. The veteran receiver has 18 catches for 144 yards in his last five games, notching a 58.8 overall PFF grade, and the Steelers’ offense is 26th in EPA per play since Week 9.
Metcalf will face a physical matchup against Ravens corner Marlon Humphrey (47.5 grade; 106th) in Week 14, but Humphrey hasn’t been at his best in 2025 — allowing 39 catches (12th-most) for 560 yards (3rd-most). Humphrey still has the smarts and aggression, though, as evidenced by his game-winning forced fumble against the Jets in Week 12.
Additional News
- Ravens S Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles) had his practice window opened Tuesday.
- Steelers DI Derrick Harmon (knee) has been ruled out of the matchup vs. the Ravens.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills (-6)
Storyline of the game: Two of the NFL’s best quarterbacks go head-to-head
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (83.0 grade) has been thrown into the proverbial fire in his first two games back from injury, with matchups against the Ravens and Bills. Burrow was excellent in the Week 13 win against the Ravens, earning a 79.6 overall PFF grade while throwing two touchdowns with four big-time throws. Meanwhile, Bills star Josh Allen (82.6 grade; 7th) hasn’t been at his MVP level from a year ago, but is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Collectively, Burrow and Allen are the present and future of the NFL; any time there’s a showdown between two of the NFL’s elite talents, all eyes will be on it. With the Bengals desperately attempting to scratch their way back into the playoffs, and the Bills just about holding on, there’s a lot at stake.
Matchup to watch: Bengals’ run defense vs. Bills RB James Cook
The Bengals have been run on by nearly every offense they’ve played in 2025, as they’re second-last in EPA per rushing play. Cincinnati has been better over the last three games, allowing just 113.7 yards per game, but a tough matchup against the Bills' rushing offense (83.0 grade; 6th) means they’ll have to be at their best. Bills stud James Cook (80.3 grade; 10th) is second in rushing yards (1,228) and fifth in rushing touchdowns (8), plus has rushed for 260 yards in his last two games.
Bills tackles Dion Dawkins (71.7 grade; 30th) and Spencer Brown (74.7 grade; 22nd) are both questionable. But if the Bills can get one of — or both — of their top tackles on the field, Cook could have an even bigger day.
Additional News
- Bills TE Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) is questionable.
- Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson (hip) is considered doubtful for the Week 14 matchup.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns (-3.5)
Storyline of the game: Two rookie quarterbacks face off
Titans quarterback Cam Ward (56.7 grade; 38th) has endured a tough rookie campaign, but has still shown more than enough to be considered the Titans’ franchise quarterback in the long term. He’ll square off against another rookie in Week 14, new Browns starter Shedeur Sanders (38.9 grade).
Sanders has struggled in his first two starts for the Browns. Though Ward was a first-round pick and Sanders was a fifth-round selection, the two will be compared in their performances on Sunday.
Matchup to watch: Titans T Dan Moore Jr. vs. Browns EDGE Myles Garrett
Browns edge defender Myles Garrett (93.1 grade; 1st) is in the midst of one of the greatest individual seasons of all time, and already has 19 sacks on the season. The NFL’s sack record is 22.5, and with five games to go, Garrett is comfortably on pace to smash the pace.
He could do it alone in Week 14. Titans tackle Dan Moore (61.6 grade; 53rd) has allowed 26 pressures and seven sacks against Garrett in his career. With Garrett playing some of the best football of his Browns tenure, Moore could be in for a rough ride.
Additional News
- Browns DI Maliek Collins (quadriceps) was placed on IR.
Miami Dolphins (-3) vs. New York Jets
Storyline of the game: Can the Dolphins start to get a sense on who to keep around in 2026?
The Dolphins are in an interesting spot. After defeating the Saints 21-17 in Week 13, they moved to 5-7 on the season. A somewhat favorable remaining schedule (27th-hardest) means that their less-than-1% playoff odds could change over the next few weeks, especially if results go their way. And that starts with a win in Week 14 against the Jets.
However, planning for the future should be key for this organization. Do the Dolphins want to keep quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (63.5 grade; 30th) around past this season? Is head coach Mike McDaniel assured the job in 2026? Are there players on the bubble who can earn roster spots next year with strong performances down the stretch? It's time to find out.
Matchup to watch: DolphinsRB De'Von Achane vs. Jets' run defense
Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (83.9 grade; 3rd) has officially broken out in 2025. His 1,034 rushing yards are third among running backs, while no running back has more explosive rushes (18) than Achane. That 4.32 speed has tormented defenses across the league since his rookie season, but Achane has kicked it up a gear in 2025 — his 1,404 scrimmage yards are sixth in the NFL.
Can the Jets contain Achane? They've allowed 108 explosive plays this season, the ninth-most among defenses in 2025, but their 66.9 PFF grade against the run is 16th. The New York defense has been solid against the run on a down-to-down basis, but Achane is a force multiplier. He can win on the ground and as a receiver.
Additional News
- Dolphins CB Rasul Douglas (foot/illness) is limited in practice and questionable.
- Jets EDGE duo Will McDonald IV (ankle) and Jermaine Johnson (ankle) are both questionable.
Indianapolis Colts (-1.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Storyline of the game: A battle at the top of the AFC South
The script in the AFC South was flipped on its head in Week 13. With the Texans defeating the Colts and the Jaguars comfortably cruising past the Titans, the Jaguars now sit atop the AFC South, but for how long?
The Jaguars and Colts go face-to-face in Week 14 in a game that has massive implications for the fate of the division. A win for the Jaguars, who sit at the top of the division, would go a long way to pushing them one step closer to their first AFC South title since 2022. But the Colts are still to be feared, and a victory puts them back in control.
Matchup to watch: Colts T Bernhard Raimann vs. Jaguars EDGE Josh Hines-Allen
Jaguars standout Josh Hines-Allen (85.0 grade; 10th) is having another strong season on the defensive line, registering 67 pressures (3rd) and seven sacks while helping propel the Jacksonville defense to seventh in EPA per play in 2025. By contrast, Colts tackle Bernhard Raimann (80.5 grade; 10th) is performing well on the Colts’ offensive line, permitting just 22 pressures at left tackle — though his seven sacks allowed are fourth-most among tackles.
Raimann doesn’t get beaten often, allowing pressure on 5.1% of his pass-blocking snaps, but Hines-Allen could be the one to get Raimann bothered.
Additional News
- Colts CB Sauce Gardner (calf) won’t be placed on IR, but will likely miss a couple of weeks.
- Jaguars T Walker Little (concussion) is questionable.
Washington Commanders (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Storyline of the game: How will J.J. McCarthy fare against a struggling defense?
After missing the 26-0 Week 13 loss to the Seahawks with a concussion, Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy (52.6 grade; 39th) is expected back in the lineup for the Week 14 clash against the Commanders. Mathematically, the Vikings and Commanders are both still alive in the playoff race, but there’s little to play for down the stretch. However, the development of McCarthy — who has struggled in 2025 — matters greatly to the Vikings.
The Commanders’ defense has been a let-down this season, ranking dead last in EPA per play. If there’s any opportunity for McCarthy to kick on in his development, it has to start against the Commanders. If he can’t look competent against one of the worst defenses in the NFL, where do the Vikings go from here?
Matchup to watch: Commanders CB Jonathan Jones vs. Vikings WR Justin Jefferson
The Commanders have been plagued by injuries in the secondary this season, losing corners Marshon Lattimore (52.1 grade; 96th) and Trey Amos (55.8 grade; 80th) to injured reserve. That means veteran Jonathan Jones (53.1 grade; 91st), who was activated off IR in Week 7, has taken on a larger role in recent weeks.
Jones will likely cover Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson (76.1 grade; 22nd) in Week 14. Though Jefferson’s production has been stop-start with McCarthy under center, he’s still one of the two or three best receivers in the NFL. Jones has allowed 12 receptions for 160 yards in 2025.
Additional News
- Vikings T Christian Darrisaw (foot) missed the loss vs. the Seahawks and is questionable for Week 14.
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (elbow) is questionable.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8.5)
Storyline of the game: Can the Buccaneers all but stamp their ticket to the playoffs?
The Buccaneers got back to winning ways in Week 13 with a 20-17 victory against the Cardinals and took one step toward winning their fifth straight NFC South crown. The offense, which is 24th in EPA per play, performed better with Bucky Irving (63.5 grade; 48th) back on the field and Chris Godwin (62.6 grade) looking closer to his best self.
Tampa Bay seeks to build upon that success against the Saints in Week 14. Though the Buccaneers have the Panthers breathing down their neck, a win would almost certainly seal their participation in the postseason once again.
Matchup to watch: Saints’ run defense vs. Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving
Irving’s inclusion for the first time since Week 4 was a welcome sight for the Buccaneers in Week 13. The shifty running back carried the ball 17 times for 61 yards and a touchdown, earning a 72.0 overall PFF grade in his return. Irving also forced seven missed tackles in the win.
Although the Saints are 11th in EPA per run play allowed, Irving will likely play a feature role in the Bucs’ offense once again.
Additional News
- Saints RB Alvin Kamara (knee) is questionable after missing the Week 13 loss to the Dolphins.
- The Buccaneers have opened the practice window for WR Mike Evans (collarbone), who remains on IR.
Denver Broncos (-7.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Storyline of the game: Can the Broncos’ offense make more strides?
The Broncos’ offense (72.3 grade; 15th) has started the season slowly, with doubts about the unit’s ability to hold up its side of the bargain as the defense continues to ball out. However, in their last two games, the Broncos are eighth in EPA per play, and Bo Nix (73.3 grade; 16th) has received a 76.0 overall PFF grade. If the Denver offense can continue to play at an above-average level, its path as a legitimate contender becomes more believable.
On Sunday, the Broncos take on a Raiders defense that ranks 23rd in EPA per play. If Denver is serious, it’ll have to take care of Las Vegas.
Matchup to watch: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton vs. Raiders CB Eric Stokes
When the Broncos’ passing game (70.7 grade; 14th) looks good, it’s usually because Courtland Sutton (73.0 grade; 29th) is involved. The veteran receiver has caught 50 passes for 711 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 and averages 1.62 yards per route run, leading the team. Sutton is going to stretch the field for the Broncos, as his nine receptions of 20 yards or more are the fourth-most in the NFL.
He’ll line up against Raiders corner Eric Stokes (71.2 grade; 22nd), who has had a strong season. The former Packer has surrendered just 20 receptions for 214 yards while averaging 18.9 coverage snaps per reception, the fourth-most in the NFL. Stokes has been sticky in coverage and has four pass breakups.
Additional News
- Broncos DI D.J. Jones (shoulder) is questionable.
Los Angeles Rams (-8) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Storyline of the game: Can the Rams bounce back from a Week 13 upset?
The Rams were shocked on the road by the Panthers in Week 13, allowing the Seahawks back into the race for the NFC West. Now, the Rams have just a 52% chance of winning the division.
Los Angeles is an overwhelming favorite against the Cardinals in Week 14, and will be looking to get a bounce-back performance from Matthew Stafford (92.4 grade; 1st) — who threw two interceptions against the Panthers on a 54.2 overall PFF grade. A win can cure everything.
Matchup to watch: Rams WR Puka Nacua vs. Cardinals CB Garrett Williams
Rams wideout Puka Nacua (93.4 grade; 2nd) continues to dominate, and his connection with Stafford is a big reason why the LA offense is one of the best in the league. Nacua can catch the ball, create after the catch and is an excellent blocker. His ability to play inside-out is a valuable tool for Sean McVay.
Nacua has lined up out wide on 62.1% of his snaps in 2025, but will create mismatches out of the slot due to his size. When he does play inside, he’ll be covered by Cardinals corner Garrett Williams (61.1 grade; 60th). Williams has given up 17 receptions for 178 yards when targeted in the slot, and his three touchdowns allowed are the second-most among slot cornerbacks.
Additional News
- Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (foot) will not return to practice this week.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (-6.5)
Storyline of the game: A massive clash in the NFC North
The battle between the Bears and Packers, their first of two in the next three weeks, will have humongous implications at the top of the division and the conference. The Bears lead the NFC with a 9-3 record and have a 76% chance of making the playoffs, while the Packers have an 8-3-1 record and own 89% odds.
The Packers (88.6 grade; 4th) are one of the best all-around teams in the NFL. While the Bears have been excellent in 2025, they still have some convincing to do to be considered contenders. Beating the Packers would be critical.
Matchup to watch: Bears T Darnell Wright vs. Packers EDGE Micah Parsons
Packers star Micah Parsons (91.9 grade; 3rd) continues to be a revelation for Green Bay: He has 67 pressures (third-most) and 14 sacks (second-most) in 2025. Parsons is the straw that stirs the drink in Green Bay and has helped lift the Packers’ defense to ninth in success rate.
Parsons is going to have his work cut out against the Bears’ offensive line, in particular Darnell Wright (78.5 grade; 14th). Wright has allowed just one sack and 13 pressures, and has taken another leap in his development. The former first-round pick has carved out a role for himself as a key cog on an up-and-coming offense.
Additional News
- Packers LB Quay Walker (neck) is questionable after missing the last two games.
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5)
Storyline of the game: Can the desperate Chiefs get past the elite Texans defense?
The Chiefs are 6-6 and have just a 40% chance of making the playoffs heading into Week 14. A win against the Texans, who are 7-5 and have won their last four contests, would significantly boost their playoff probabilities.
However, the Texans’ defense (80.9 grade; 3rd) is elite, ranking first in EPA per play and success rate. The Chiefs’ offense has played well, but the team as a whole has struggled to hit the high notes when it matters. In fact, Kansas City is 1-6 in one-score games in 2025.
Matchup to watch: Texans EDGE Will Anderson Jr. vs Chiefs T Jaylon Moore
With Chiefs tackle Josh Simmons (62.7 grade; 50th) out indefinitely, Jaylon Moore (65.7 grade; 45th) is now in charge of protecting Patrick Mahomes’ (76.4 grade; 11th) blindside. Moore was on his heels for most of the Week 13 loss to the Cowboys, compiling a 26.3 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing six pressures.
Moore has permitted 18 pressures on 200 pass-blocking snaps, and will have a tough assignment against Will Anderson Jr. (92.1 grade; 2nd). The Texans stud has 69 pressures (second-most) and 11 sacks (fifth-most) in 2025.
Additional News
- Chiefs G Trey Smith (ankle) is questionable.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Storyline of the game: Can the Eagles stop their mini-slide?
How do you quantify the Eagles in 2025? They’re the reigning Super Bowl champions, and despite not looking at their best — or anything close to it — for much of the season, they’re 8-4 and have an 89% chance of making the playoffs.
Right now, the goal for the Eagles is to stop their small slump. They’ve lost back-to-back games for the second time this season, and take on a Chargers unit fighting for its lives in the AFC playoff picture.
The Chargers are beaten up, but the defense is top-10 in EPA per play and success rate. The Eagles’ offense (76.4 grade; 12th) needs to buckle up.
Matchup to watch: Eagles WR A.J. Brown vs. Chargers CB Donte Jackson
After a dip in production and countless rumors of discontent, Eagles star A.J. Brown (78.5 grade; 19th) had his best game of the season in the Week 13 loss to the Bears. Brown caught 10 of 12 targets for 132 yards and two touchdowns, notching a 90.2 overall PFF grade. If the Eagles can consistently get Brown involved in the offense, their ceiling could be through the roof, but that’s been a struggle for Jalen Hurts (81.3 grade; 8th) and Co.
Brown will likely see a lot of Chargers corner Donte Jackson in Week 14. Jackson has been excellent in man coverage this season, allowing just two receptions on seven targets, good for a 75.4 overall PFF grade. Brown has feasted on one-on-one matchups on the outside throughout his career, but Jackson is not going to go down without a fight.
Additional News
- Chargers QB Justin Herbert (hand) underwent successful surgery on Monday but is questionable vs. the Eagles.
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