The tip of the Thanksgiving vacation week is a standard barometer within the NFL. With Week 13 over, it’s turning into clearer which groups are true contenders and which of them are merely pretenders.
The Buffalo Payments, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Inexperienced Bay Packers planted their flags as groups poised to make playoff runs with huge wins whereas the back-to-back Tremendous Bowl Champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs continued to look susceptible regardless of pulling out a win.
Final week: W 23-20 (vs. Chicago)
Some might argue the Lions ought to have had a better time beating the struggling Bears, however Detroit nonetheless gained their annual Thanksgiving matchup. Quarterback Jared Goff seemed sharp as soon as once more, posting a 100.2 QBR whereas finishing 61.8% of his passes for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Detroit benefited from now-former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus’ poor clock administration, however the 2024 Lions proceed to search out methods to win and seem dominant in most video games.
Week 14: vs. Inexperienced Bay (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET) | Amazon Prime Video
2. Buffalo Payments (10-2)
Final week: W 35-10 (vs. San Francisco)
Buffalo has endured bumpy moments this season however appears to be rolling when it counts. Regardless of a driving snowstorm, Josh Allen led the Payments offense to certainly one of its finest days but. He even grew to become the primary participant in NFL historical past to throw, run and catch a landing in the identical recreation. James Cook dinner additionally loved an enormous day, additional displaying chemistry together with his MVP-candidate quarterback.
The playoffs are all that issues to Buffalo.
Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: W 24-19 (at Baltimore)
Per week after Saquon Barkley gashed the Rams for a monster 255-yard efficiency, he helped lead the Eagles to a press release win with 107 yards and a rating. Profitable on the street in a tricky place to play like Baltimore additional despatched a message to your entire NFL that the Eagles are severe contenders. Gone are the times of followers and media calling for Nick Sirianni’s job.
Week 14: vs. Carolina (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: W 19-17 (vs. Las Vegas)
Nov 29, 2024; Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, USA; Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a move as Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) defends throughout the second half at GEHA Discipline at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Pictures
The defending champions pulled out a win over the rival Raiders however proceed to seem susceptible. Friday’s victory got here regardless of dropping the overall yards battle whereas attaining fewer first downs. Whereas two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes threw for 306 yards, he wanted 46 move makes an attempt and the group solely put 19 factors on the scoreboard.
Their earlier loss to Buffalo pushes Kansas Metropolis right down to the No. 4 spot.
Week 14: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET) | NBC
Final week: W 23-22 (vs. Arizona)
Quarterback Sam Darnold and the Vikings did it once more on Sunday, rallying from being behind with 10 fourth-quarter factors to defeat the Cardinals. Minnesota’s win lets them preserve tempo in a crowded NFC North. Justin Jefferson caught seven balls for 99 yards within the win.
The Vikings preserve planting their flag because the NFL’s most shocking group this season.
Week 14: vs. Atlanta (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: W 44-38 (at Cincinnati)
Russell Wilson had his finest recreation as a Steeler, throwing for 414 yards and three touchdowns, serving to Pittsburgh decide up an important victory in Cincinnati coming off a tricky loss to the Browns. With Wilson persevering with to indicate consolation with Arthur Smith’s offense, the Steelers are trying extra like a group able to making a run within the playoffs.
The Steelers protection additionally got here by when known as upon, notably forcing two key fumbles and choosing up 4 sacks.
Week 14: vs. Cleveland (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) CBS
Final week: W 30-17 (vs. Miami)
Jordan Love seems to be like his 2023 kind once more after battling an harm earlier this season. Love accomplished 21-of-28 passes for 274 yards and a pair of touchdowns because the Packers offense managed the sport all day.
Two of the Packers’ three losses have come towards Detroit and Minnesota, making their future divisional matchups must-win video games in the event that they hope to keep away from being a Wild Card.
Week 14: at Detroit (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET) | Amazon Prime Video
Final week: L 24-19 (vs Philadelphia)
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens operating again Derrick Henry (22) runs for a 3rd quarter acquire defended by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) at M&T Financial institution Stadium.
Mitch Stringer-Imagn Pictures
Regardless of dropping to the Eagles, Baltimore continues to be clearly one of many ten finest groups in soccer. Lamar Jackson threw for 237 yards and ran for 79 extra. Operating again Derrick Henry averaged 4.3 yards per carry and ran for 82 yards towards a Philadelphia protection proving to be elite.
Week 14: Bye
9. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
Final week: W 17-13 (at Atlanta)
Regardless of operating again J.Ok. Dobbins being out with a knee harm, the Chargers had been in a position to defeat the Falcons in Atlanta. Quarterback Justin Herbert was environment friendly however he additionally wasn’t requested to do a lot because of the Los Angeles protection choosing off Kirk Cousins 4 instances.
Los Angeles has relied extra on the run recreation and their protection than their star quarterback this season, so it stays to be seen how for much longer they’ll preserve profitable with out Dobbins.
Week 14: at Kansas Metropolis (Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET) | NBC
Final week: W 42-19 (vs. Tennessee)
Some could wish to overlook a win over the 3-9 Titans however Washington gained in dominating vogue. Quarterback Jayden Daniels accomplished 25-of-30 passes for 240 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Commanders offense has hit its stride and could possibly be robust sufficient to compete with anyone within the NFC.
Week 14: Bye
Final week: W 23-20 (at Jacksonville)
The Texans might not be pretty much as good as anticipated this yr, however fortune could also be of their favor in a weak AFC South.
CJ Stroud has but to really explode, however operating again Joe Mixon led the best way with 101 yards and a rating. Houston’s protection stepped up and makes the Texans a harmful group if they’ll get their offense going.
Week 14: Bye
Final week: W 41-32 (vs. Cleveland)
Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian (29) celebrates his decide six interception with followers within the fourth quarter towards the Cleveland Browns at Empower Discipline at Mile Excessive.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Pictures
Any group led by a rookie quarterback goes to undergo rising pains on occasion. At the very least on Monday night time, Bo Nix carried out effectively sufficient to win once more, throwing for 294 yards and a landing.
It is the Broncos protection that makes the group a playoff contender. They picked off Jameis Winston thrice, returning two for touchdowns.
Week 14: Bye
Quarterback Geno Smith’s tendency to start out gradual nearly harm the Seahawks however they had been in a position to pull off a win over an extremely disappointing Jets group. Seattle’s continued struggles with dropping groups make it tough to see the Seahawks being a real menace within the NFC.
Week 14: at Arizona (Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 23-22 (at Minnesota)
Despiting sacking Sam Darnold 4 instances, the Cardinals’ protection blew a late lead and the Cardinals misplaced to the Vikings by one level. Arizona’s protection and talent to create turnovers with the likes of Dante Stills and Kyzir White, coupled with a doubtlessly explosive offense, make them a harmful group.
Arizona faces a real check subsequent week towards Seattle, seeking to avenge their 16-6 loss from two weeks in the past.
Week 14: vs. Seattle (Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: W 26-23 (OT) (at Carolina)
Quarterback Baker Mayfield’s great season continued and he loved having vast receiver Mike Evans again on the sector Sunday, connecting together with his main goal for 118 yards and a rating.
Tampa’s win makes them a favourite within the wide-open NFC South.
Week 14: vs. Las Vegas (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: W 25-24 (at New England)
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs with the ball throughout the second half towards the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Pictures
Anthony Richardson’s return to the beginning quarterback function offered a spark to the Colts, as he used each his arm and legs to beat the Patriots. So long as he does not make easy errors or verify himself out of video games once more, the Colts might really get into the AFC South race.
Week 14: Bye
Final week: L 17-13 (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)
Kirk Cousins was speculated to stabilize the Falcons offense and make Atlanta a contender. As an alternative, he threw 4 expensive interceptions and posted a 40.0 QBR. If Cousins cannot determine issues out quickly, Atlanta may have to show to Michael Penix a yr forward of schedule.
Week 14: at Minnesota (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
18. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
Final week: W 21-14 (at New Orleans)
The Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford will not go away, however Los Angeles is not going to show something with a win over the Saints. The group has too many unhealthy losses on their resume to rank any increased.
Week 14: vs. Buffalo (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
A tough begin to the season and dropping Dak Prescott to harm left most counting the Cowboys out. Whereas Dallas continues to be a good distance from contending the group has proven coronary heart with back-to-back divisional wins.
Week 14: vs. Cincinnati (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET) | ESPN
Final week: L 30-17 (at Inexperienced Bay)
Nov 28, 2024; Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Dolphins tight finish Jonnu Smith (9) rushes with the soccer after catching a move throughout the third quarter towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Discipline.
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Pictures
Tua Tagovaila handed for 365 yards and two touchdowns. Jonnu Smith made 10 catches for 113 yards whereas Tyreek Hill added six receptions for 83 yards, however the Dolphins’ lack of a operating recreation wasted the whole lot they did by the air. Miami stays too one-dimensional.
Week 14: vs. New York Jets (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: L 44-38 (vs. Pittsburgh)
Cinninati’s protection has ruined an in any other case elite season by quarterback Joe Burrow, however any group with the weapons the Bengals do can compete with anybody.
Week 14: at Dallas (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET) | ESPN
22. San Francisco (5-7)
Final week: L 35-10 (at Buffalo)
After coming so near a championship a season in the past, the 49ers are simply too banged as much as be related this season. San Francisco was uncovered additional by Buffalo this week and seems headed for a last-place end.
Week 14: vs. Chicago (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 23-20 (at Detroit)
Chicago has handled the rising pains of rookie quarterback Caleb Wiliams for weeks now, dropping six in a row, however the offensive line did present indicators of life of their loss to the Lions.
Maybe a training change will assist the Bears the remainder of the season.
Week 14: at San Francisco (Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 21-14 (vs. Los Angeles Rams)
Dec 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints operating again Alvin Kamara (41) runs towards the Los Angeles Rams throughout the first half at Caesars Superdome.
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Pictures
Operating again Alvin Kamara picked up 112 yards on 23 makes an attempt, but it surely wasn’t sufficient to hold the Saints offense towards the Rams.
Week 14: at New York Giants (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 41-32 (at Denver)
Jameis Winston had a historic day passing for 497 yards however he additionally was answerable for three interceptions in a loss to the Broncos. Two of the three had been run again for defensive scores.
Jerry Jeudy caught 9 balls for 235 yards towards his former group, but it surely didn’t matter.
Week 14: at Pittsburgh (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: L 26-23 (vs. Tampa Bay)
Bryce Younger had certainly one of his higher video games of the season, throwing for 298 yards and a landing. Adam Thielen posted eight receptions for 99 yards. It nonetheless wasn’t sufficient to gradual Baker Mayfield and the Bucs handed Carolina one other loss.
Week 14: at Philadelphia (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 42-19 (at Washington)
Tennessee misplaced by double digits for the seventh time this season. Quarterback Will Levis did not flip the ball over however he additionally accomplished simply 48.6% of his passes.
Week 14: vs. Jacksonville (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
28. New York Jets (3-9)
Final week: L 26-21 (vs. Seattle)
Dec 1, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws the ball throughout the first half towards the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Pictures
New York nearly secured a uncommon victory however wound up dropping to Seattle nonetheless. Aaron Rodgers threw his eighth interception of the season and the Jets dropped the eighth of their final 9 video games.
The Rodgers commerce continues to look worse every week.
Week 14: at Miami (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
Final week: L 25-24 (vs. Indianapolis)
Quarterback Drake Maye was environment friendly and solely threw six incompletions all recreation in a loss to the Colts. Maye’s development is crucial a part of the season to date for New England.
Week 14: Bye
Final week: L 23-20 (vs. Houston)
A disappointing season grew worse for the Jaguars, dropping to Houston but additionally watching quarterback Trevor Lawrence go down after an unpleasant hit that left him needing to be carted off the sector.
Week 14: at Tennessee (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
31. New York Giants (2-10)
Final week: L 27-20 (at Dallas)
The Giants had been aggressive of their first recreation after shifting on from former first-round decide Daniel Jones however nonetheless got here up quick in Dallas. Drew Lock acquired the beginning and handed for less than 178 yards and an interception.
Week 14: vs. New Orleans (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | FOX
Final week: L 19-17 (at Kansas Metropolis)
Nov 29, 2024; Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (12) throws a move throughout the first half towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at GEHA Discipline at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Pictures
Las Vegas performed their rival shut, however that could be extra in regards to the Chiefs’ points than anything. Aidan O’Connell does deserve recognition for throwing for 340 yards – his single-game finest.
Week 14: at Tampa Bay (Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET) | CBS
