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• READ: Falcons eliminated from playoffs with defeat

Eric Edholm's takeaways:

1. Emmanwori spearheaded Seahawks’ strong effort on defense, special teams. Standout rookie Nick Emmanwori made huge plays on defense and special teams as the Seahawks turned a tight game at halftime into a laugher. Emmanwori had his first career interception, a blocked field goal, a sack and a great tackle for loss in the win, appearing to get banged up a few times but hanging tough in a great outing. Emmanwori’s diving interception came off the hands of Devon Witherspoon, who also had a great game with an INT, a fumble recovery and a hit on Kirk Cousins. The Seahawks were sluggish offensively in the first half and needed all the big plays in what was a 6-6 game at halftime. Rashid Shaheed’s 100-yard kickoff return sprung the Seahawks to a 17-point third quarter, taking total control of the game. But the story was Emmanwori, who has been a home-run draft pick, perhaps giving his Defensive Rookie of the Year odds a major boost. One of his main competitors for the award, Falcons pass rusher Jalon Walker, played only a handful of snaps against Seattle Sunday before leaving the game with a quad injury. 
2. Falcons special teams once again came up way short. Atlanta’s special teams have become an epidemic during a lost season, and once again reared its ugly head in Sunday’s loss, the Falcons’ seventh setback in eight games. Kicking has been an issue all season, and Zane Gonzalez had one field-goal try blocked in the first half and kicked out of bounds in the second half that led to a Seahawks TD that effectively put the game out of reach early in the fourth quarter. The biggest blow was the 100-yard kickoff return allowed to start the second half, opening up the floodgates in what became a blowout. The Falcons were allowing a league-worst 29.8 yards per kick return entering the game and have had a host of special teams miscues this season – especially in more recent games – bringing heat on coordinator Marquice Williams. The Falcons committed six first-half penalties, Kirk Cousins threw two picks and the red-zone execution was poor (including a Bijan Robinson fumble), so the blame can be spread around. But the special-teams errors are getting downright ugly.
3. Shaheed stepped up for the Seahawks. The Seahawks ended up with a balanced offensive game, in spite of a slow start, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored twice after a quiet first half. But don’t forget about the contributions of Rashid Shaheed, who had been a little quiet since arriving via trade at the deadline. He had a 100-yard kickoff return to open the third quarter that gave the Seahawks a jolt after the nip-and-tuck first half. Shaheed also caught four passes for 67 yards – both season highs with Seattle – that included a 33-yard catch on an over route that helped the Seahawks build an insurmountable lead. Sam Darnold spread the ball around to his receivers, including hitting Cooper Kupp for Kupp’s first TD catch since Week 6. But Shaheed had multiple big catches Sunday and the big play on special teams, making his biggest impact since joining the Seahawks. He adds a dimension that the team was lacking, and it appears his role grew on Sunday.

Next Gen Stats Insight for (via NFL Pro): Seahawks KR Rashid Shaheed covered 121.81 yards of total distance on his 100-yard kickoff-return touchdown, hitting a max speed of 20.80 mph.

NFL Research: The Seahawks have five players with four or more TDs and eight players with two or more touchdowns after Cooper Kupp scored his second TD of the season Sunday.

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• READ: League says Likely lost control of ball on overturned TD

Kevin Patra's takeaways:

1. Steelers flip the script, flash big plays to take AFC North lead. Mike Tomlin’s team is not dead. Coming off last week’s dismal 26-7 home loss to Buffalo, a lot of ink was spilled about the Steelers' demise. Tomlin and his 42-year-old quarterback silenced the screams. From snap one, Aaron Rodgers splashed big plays, hitting DK Metcalf for a 52-yard bomb. It was the first time since October that Rodgers hit a pass 20-plus yards downfield. With plenty of time, Rodgers played his best game in a Steelers jersey, dicing up the Ravens for 23-of-34 passing for 284 yards, a TD, and took zero sacks. He added his first rushing score since Week 17, 2022. The deep shots that had been absent from Pittsburgh’s offense were the key. Rodgers went 3 of 3 for 121 yards on passes of 20-plus air-yards. He also found an explosive 38-yard touchdown on a swing pass to Jaylen Warren. Three straight fourth-quarter three-and-outs opened the door for Baltimore, but with scores on five of he Steelers' first six non-kneel possessions, it was the type of output Pittsburgh needed from the offense.
2. Missed chances continue to sting Baltimore. The Ravens remain off-kilter. The offense again went through waves of miscues before finding itself. The defense lacked pressure and couldn’t get stops early. Lamar Jackson's second-quarter interception led to a 17-3 deficit that Baltimore couldn’t overcome. Jackson finally found his rhythm after weeks of inactivity. The QB took off with his legs Sunday, rushing seven times for 43 yards with a touchdown. After zero touchdowns the past three weeks, Jackson scored on the ground and through the air. However, outside of his connection with Zay Flowers (eight receptions for 124 yards), the air attack remained wanting. The Ravens gashed Pittsburgh on the ground, gobbling up 217 yards rushing and out-gaining the Steelers 420 to 318. However, the key stat that sunk the Ravens: 2-of-6 in the red zone. Ooof. The biggest failure: Isaiah Likely couldn’t hold on for a late TD that would have given Baltimore a lead. With the game in the balance, the Ravens only mustered two field goals in the fourth quarter. It felt apropos of Baltimore’s season that Jackson got sacked to end the game.
3. Steelers take the edge in race for the AFC North title. Sunday’s battle came with massive leverage in the division race. The road win boosts Tomlin’s 7-6 team to a 67% shot to make the playoffs, with a 66% chance to win the AFC North, per Next Gen Stats. It’s still not an easy path for the Steelers. They still face Miami – on a four-game win streak – Detroit, Cleveland and a rematch with Baltimore. Back-to-back division home losses plummets the 6-7 Ravens' chances of making the postseason to 33%. The five-game win streak now feels like a distant memory. Baltimore finishes with games against the Bengals, Patriots, Packers and Steelers. That’s a tough slate that John Harbaugh’s crew might need to sweep to make the postseason.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Steelers-Ravens (via NFL Pro): DK Metcalf was targeted a season-high 12 times in Week 14 against the Ravens, with seven receptions for 148 yards. Metcalf caught all three of his deep targets for 121 yards, his most deep receptions in a game in his career. Metcalf was targeted on half of his routes when facing man coverage, hauling in three receptions for 87 yards on seven targets.

NFL Research: Derrick Henry became the fourth player in NFL history to have 1,000-plus rushing yards and 10-plus rushing touchdowns in at least seven seasons, joining LaDainian Tomlinson (8), Emmitt Smith (7) and Adrian Peterson (7).

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• READ: Sanders' best game statistically not enough in loss

Nick Shook's takeaways:

1. Titans run game thrives. In perhaps the most shocking development of Week 14, Tennessee -- owners of the league's 31st-ranked rushing offense -- racked up an eye-popping 184 yards on the ground on a snowy day in Cleveland. The Titans did so while facing the 10th-ranked rushing defense and creating wildly explosive runs, watching Tony Pollard knife through the Browns' defense for touchdown runs of 65 and 32 yards. On a day in which Cam Ward completed just 50% of his passes for 117 yards (plus two touchdowns), Pollard's contributions (161 yards, two touchdowns on 25 carries) were vital to Tennessee's chances of victory. It also likely felt vindicating for Pollard, a big-name free-agent addition in 2024 who had only occasionally produced at a rate deserving of the $7.25 million he's earning per season, and hadn't cracked 100 yards in 2025 until Sunday.
2. Sanders experiences highs, lows of December in Cleveland. No Browns quarterback has truly experienced a season in Cleveland without playing a December game along the shore of Lake Erie, a setting that can produce some strange, chaotic outcomes. Sanders learned firsthand Sunday, operating an offense that relied heavily on his arm and doing a commendable job, completing 23 of 42 passes for a season-high 364 yards and three touchdowns. There were obvious positives: Sanders lobbed a sharp touchdown pass to David Njoku while under duress, fixed his miscommunication issues with Jerry Jeudy by hitting the receiver in stride for a pretty 60-yard touchdown reception, ran for a touchdown, expertly executed a screen pass to Quinshon Judkins to set up a score, and led a chaotic touchdown drive in the game's final two minutes. But Sunday's tale can't be told without including the negatives, including the awful decision on Sanders' part to throw an under-pressure prayer of a pass into traffic for an interception, his continued tendency to hang on to the ball too long (3.57 seconds average time to throw Sunday) and his occasional reliance on patting the ball before throwing, which gave Titans defenders time to commit to breaking up passes. Sanders didn't provide the Browns with indisputable evidence that he can be their long-term answer, but he continued to make small steps forward while enduring a few self-inflicted mistakes.
3. Tennessee is still battling for interim coach Mike McCoy. An early December, snowy game would be an easy excuse for a disinterested, one-win team to fold on the road. Not these Titans. Tennessee played with clear purpose Sunday, embarking on an eight-play touchdown drive on the Titans' opening possession and remained in the fight for four quarters, eventually winning the war of attrition against a similarly poor Browns team with as much grit as proper execution. A 17-14 deficit was nothing but a challenge for these Titans, who rode Pollard to regain the lead, capitalized on a short field with a touchdown pass and managed to hold off the Browns amid a desperate comeback attempt. Sure, they tried to make things easier for Cleveland, committing crucial penalties to award free yards for a low-potential Browns offense, but by the time the clock expired, the Titans trotted off the field at Huntington Bank Field victorious for just the second time this season. That type of four-quarter effort shines a positive light on McCoy, the interim coach who has watched his team lose in nearly every fashion in this trying campaign. Finally, they can fly home happy.

Next Gen Stats Insight for (via NFL Pro): Shedeur Sanders recorded a career-long average time to throw of 3.57 seconds, the second-longest by any QB this season. Sanders’ long time to throw allowed him to be pressured on 63% of his dropbacks, the highest pressure rate by a defense this season. Sanders was 11 of 26 for 184 yards, a TD and an INT when under pressure, compared to 12 for 16 for 180 yards and 2 TD when kept clean.

NFL Research: Shedeur Sanders became the second rookie QB in NFL history with 350-plus passing yards, three-plus passing touchdowns and one or more rushing scores in a single game, joining Joe Burrow (Week 7, 2020 vs. CLE).

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• READ: Colts' Jones injures Achilles in loss to Jags

Eric Edholm's takeaways:

1. Jaguars tightened grip on AFC South with major victory. The Jaguars took another step toward winning the AFC South with a dominant victory over the rival Colts, winning their fourth straight and fifth out of six games since the bye. They’re now one game ahead of the Colts and two ahead of the Texans prior to Houston’s Sunday night game against the Chiefs. Liam Coen is trying to become just the third Jaguars coach to win the AFC South in his first season with the team. He’s certainly in the Coach of the Year award race, even if it’s a crowded field with Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson and other fine candidates this season. The Jaguars are virtually a lock to make the playoffs (Next Gen Stats estimates their chances around 96% currently) and have played some of their best football of late. On a wet, sloppy track, the Jaguars won the turnover battle (3-1), engineered six scoring drives (and could have scored more) and generally played well, outside of some annoying penalties that wiped out some positive plays. 
2. Jones injury was a huge blow for the sinking Colts. It was a nightmare game for Daniel Jones, who suffered a non-contact Achilles injury late in the first quarter and was ruled out shortly thereafter. It rained steadily in Jacksonville, creating a slick field that saw multiple players slip and get hurt. Jones threw an interception on the Colts’ first offensive play of the game, and the Colts trailed, 14-7, when he left the game. Riley Leonard, who had six garbage-time snaps of experience entering Sunday, replaced Jones and played about as well as you could hope, but he had little chance to rally the Colts, who now have lost four of their past five games after starting the season 7-1. The Colts also lost right tackle Braden Smith (concussion) for the game and suddenly are in real danger of missing the playoffs, with Next Gen Stats estimating their chances of making the playoffs at 56% now. And if his Achilles is ruptured, Jones also possibly faces a rehab schedule that could keep him out of action to start next season. Sunday could not have gone much worse for the Colts, once one of the better feel-good stories of the season.
3. Lawrence led an effective Jaguars offense. Against a shorthanded Colts team, the Jaguars’ defense showed up in a big way, with nine passes defended, four tackles for loss (including a big fourth-down stop of Jonathan Taylor) and a safety by Josh Hines-Allen, who is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season. But let’s give Trevor Lawrence and the offense some credit with their play Sunday, ringing up a season-high 36 points, even with a few hiccups along the way. Lawrence had some hot streaks in this game, throwing for 244 yards and two TDs and making some plays with his legs, in spite of rain falling heavily before the game as well as throughout it. Lawrence hit Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Tim Patrick on several big throws, with Patrick turning in his best game of the season. Travis Etienne had two rushing TDs, setting an early tone, and the Jacksonville offensive line did a great job run blocking and pass protecting for Lawrence. There’s still plenty to clean up, as Bhayshul Tuten lost a fumble and some penalties watered down the performance, but Liam Coen’s offense kept its foot on the gas for most of the game while it was close.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Colts-Jaguars (via NFL Pro): Trevor Lawrence was particularly effective on downfield passes against the Colts, completing 8 of his 16 attempts of 10-plus air yards for 182 yards and two touchdowns, his second-most downfield passing yards in a game this season. He was also effective throwing on the run (8+ mph), completing 5 of 6 such attempts for 49 yards and one of his touchdowns.

NFL Research: The Jaguars have scored 25-plus points in six straight games dating back to Week 9 at Las Vegas, tying the longest such streak in franchise history. The only other six-game game streak in franchise history with 25 or more points was in Weeks 12-17 in the 2007 season.

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• READ: Daniels injures elbow in Commanders' loss
• READ: Washington becomes first '24 playoff team eliminated from '25 postseason contention

Michael Baca's takeaways:

1. Efficient showing from McCarthy brings sigh of relief. Multiple injuries and some poor outings from J.J. McCarthy had Minnesota in a midseason panic, but the second-year quarterback's performance on Sunday was good enough to quell those worries. Returning to the lineup after missing last week's game with a concussion, McCarthy came out of the gate firing strong, accurate passes to lead consecutive touchdown drives to open the game, the second of which a 19-play, 98-yard possession that took 12:01 off the clock and set the tone for a dominant first half for the Vikings. As the game got away from Washington and with Minnesota running backs producing a healthy ground attack (162 yards), a lot less was asked from McCarthy's arm in the second half, but he still maintained efficiency when needed and tossed two touchdowns to widen the lead. McCarthy finished 16-of-23 passing for 163 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers (129.2 passer rating) and extended a few plays with his legs (19 yards). He led an offense that was tremendously efficient, converting 6 of 11 third downs, scoring TDs on all four red-zone possessions and punting just once in seven total drives. There wasn't much pressure on McCarthy in a one-sided affair, but when it was a game, the Vikings' potential future at QB was impressive in his seventh career start. 
2. Daniels shows rust in abbreviated return. Jayden Daniels exited in the third quarter after appearing to aggravate the left elbow injury that held him out the previous three games. What the Commanders' star QB did before that was exciting to start but quickly turned into an off-showing. A 28-yard strike to Terry McLaurin on his opening drive signaled Daniels' return to form, and the Commanders drove into the red zone rather seamlessly. But it was from there that Daniels' struggles began, throwing three consecutive incompletions from the 2-yard line that showed his timing and accuracy are not quite there yet. Washington certainly tried to protect Daniels in his anticipated return, calling for plenty of screen passes and the QB receiving most of his snaps in the shotgun. Still, the Commanders' offensive line allowed nine pressures and one sack on Daniels' 25 drop backs. Daniels threw an interception on the final throw of his return, suffering the injury while the Vikings looked to return the pick. He finished 9-of-20 passing for 78 yards (one INT) in four drives. It was a deflating result on a potentially exciting day for Washington. Zach Ertz's gruesome knee injury in the second half made the shutout loss all that more brutal.
3. Van Ginkel does it again. It's a play Andrew Van Ginkel has made time and time again — recognizing a screen to perfection and pouncing on the quick pass for an interception with plenty of room ahead of him for a big return. The Vikings outside linebacker did it again on Sunday, popping Jayden Daniels' pass up in the air before hauling it in on the run and scampering for 40 yards on his return, nearly getting his fourth career pick-six if not for Terry McLaurin's hustling tackle. It was without a doubt the play of the game considering Daniels was injured on the return, but it also flipped the contest into a one-sided affair. The Vikings defense was dominant, allowing 206 total yards and no points while generating two sacks and two picks. The collective performance from Brian Flores' unit was crucial in producing a get-right game from McCarthy.

Next Gen Stats Insight for (via NFL Pro): J.J. McCarthy threw three touchdowns for the first time in his NFL career against the Commanders, completing 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards. McCarthy averaged 2.56 seconds to throw, his quickest in any game this season by more than a quarter of a second. He completed 10 of his 11 quick throws for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

NFL Research: The Vikings lost, 26-0, against the Seahawks in Week 13 before shutting out the Commanders in Week 14. They are the first team to get shut out then shut out an opponent in their next game since the 1992 Broncos. They are also the first team in NFL history to get shut out by 25-plus points in one game and then shut out their opponent by 25-plus points in their next game.

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• READ: Jets eliminated from postseason contention

Kevin Patra's takeaways:

1. Dolphins run over Jets for fourth straight victory. Miami splashed big plays early, generating four of 20-plus yards on its first two drives. Mike McDaniel’s club found pay dirt on each of its first three possessions to streak out to a 21-0 lead. The offense hit a lull from there, particularly after De'Von Achane went out with a rib injury. The Dolphins leaned on the run game, gashing the Jets for 239 yards on the ground with three rushing scores. Jaylen Wright bullied his way through arm tackles for a career-high 107 yards and a TD on 24 carries. Miami didn’t ask or need Tua Tagovailoa to do much. The QB completed 13-of-21 passing for 127 yards with a TD, but got away with several near-INTs. He gave way to former Jets QB Zach Wilson on the final two drives.
2. Jets can’t keep positive momentum. After last week’s win, the Jets reverted to their early-season issues. The defense struggled mightily, missing double-digit tackles, per Next Gen Stats. The Jets' D also couldn’t capitalize on several turnover opportunities, with the ball clanging off defenders' hands. The offense struggled to move the ball. Tyrod Taylor threw an interception on the second drive on a ball behind his target. The veteran exited the game with a groin injury, giving way to rookie Brady Cook, who was active with Justin Fields out due to a knee injury. The Jets didn’t earn a first down until 1:56 remained in the second quarter. The undrafted quarterback was thrust into a difficult spot, down big with an offense that struggles. Cook made a few nice throws, including a downfield shot to Adonai Mitchell late. However, he was behind on a host of throws, threw two picks in the red zone, and fumbled a short-yardage snap (recovered). Cook finished 14-of-30 passing for 163 yards and two INTs. The positive: The special teams crew continues to play well. Isaiah Williams returned a punt 78 yards for a score. Gang Green also converted a first down on a fake punt. All 10 points came from the special teams group on Sunday.
3. Dolphins continue to battle. Credit McDaniel’s club for not giving up on the season after a 1-6 start, moving to 6-7 with its fifth win in five games and fourth straight. Miami’s defense generated three turnovers, sacked Cook six times, and allowed just 64 yards rushing. Miami used a dominant first half, outgaining New York 246 yards to 47 with 14 first downs to 2. The Dolphins' playoff chances were uber-slim entering the game, at 1% per Next Gen Stats. But Miami hasn’t quit on its coach.

Next Gen Stats Insight for (via NFL Pro): Jaylen Wright forced five missed tackles on the ground, tying his career high, and gained 30 yards after missed tackles and 91 yards after contact, both career highs. He also recorded three explosive runs (10+ yards) in the game after having only one such play entering today this season.

NFL Research: The Dolphins’ 239 rushing yards were their most since Week 3, 2023. It marked Miami’s fourth straight game with 160-plus rushing yards — first time since 1977.

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• REWATCH: Saints-Buccaneers on Â鶹¹ú²ú Premium

Christian Gonzales' takeaways:

1. Saints, Shough pull off upset in Tampa Bay. In the wildest conditions in Tampa, Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough put together one of his best starts even though the box score might not show it. In certain situations during the second half, Shough was commanding the offense at the line of scrimmage by changing up the play calls to extend drives. With rain pouring down, Shough also had two incredible runs. His first was design run, and he took it the house for 33 yards for a score with no Bucs defender touching him until he hit pay dirt. Shough’s second run was a doozy. With the game tied at 17 with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, Shough avoided a sack with three Bucs defenders nearby and scrambled for a wild 13-yard touchdown. Shough finished the afternoon with a career-high 55 rushing yards along with his two score on the ground. It was promising second-half performance by Shough, who looks to be getting more comfortable with each start.
2. Bucs’ offensive woes continue. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense struggled to find any sort of rhythm after Bucky Irving scored a 24-yard touchdown on Tampa Bay’s opening drive. It was an afternoon Mayfield would like to forget after he completed 14 of 30 passes for 122 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It’s Mayfield’s fourth-straight game with less than 200 passing yards, the longest streak in his career, per NFL Research. The Bucs are now tied for first place in the NFC South with the idle Carolina Panthers. The crown for the division is now up for grabs. Tampa faces the Panthers in Weeks 16 and 18, but for now the Bucs’ four consecutive division titles streak is in danger of being snapped. 
3. Saints RB, WR on the rise. With star running back Alvin Kamara missing his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury, rookie Devin Neal proved he can provide a spark when needed. The Saints RB rushed 19 times for 70 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and one touchdown. Neal has been a reliable piece for fellow rookie Tyler Shough in Kellen Moore’s offense the last two weeks. Meanwhile, second-year wide receiver Devaughn Vele was Shough’s go-to target down the stretch. Vele had two consecutive third-down catches in the fourth quarter to extend the Saints’ drives, which left Tampa Bay’s offense with only two minutes and no timeouts to march down the field. With Chris Olave dealing with a back injury (three catches for 30 yards), Vele and Neal showed they can be reliable offensive pieces for Shough.

Next Gen Stats Insight for (via NFL Pro): Tyler Shough rushed seven times for a career-high 55 yards and two touchdowns in Week 14 against the Buccaneers, becoming the first player this season with touchdowns on both a designed run and a scramble in the same game.

NFL Research: Tyler Shough's 34-yard rushing touchdown was the longest by a non-Taysom Hill Saints quarterback in franchise history. Shough is also the first non-Hill Saints QB with multiple rushing TDs in a game since Drew Brees in Week 3, 2018. 

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• READ: Burrow, Bengals' postseason hopes take huge hit

NIck Shook's takeaways:

1. Bills demonstrate toughness in comeback. Buffalo spent most of Sunday chasing after Joe Burrow and the Bengals, who started the game as emphatically as possible with three straight touchdown drives. Cincinnati appeared to be in control in the fourth quarter, too, until Josh Allen galloped through a wide stretch of open field for a 40-yard touchdown, and Christian Benford picked off an awkwardly delivered Burrow lob and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bills a 32-28 lead that seemed unlikely, if not impossible just a few minutes earlier. One more interception on the very next play gave the Bills the opportunity they needed and they didn't waste it, converting a fourth-and-goal from the Cincinnati 3 via a touchdown pass from Allen to Jackson Hawes. On a day that felt like a playoff setting, the Bills overcame inclement weather and a stiff challenge from the desperate Bengals to emerge victorious, notching a win that is as valuable for team morale as it is for their AFC playoff seeding.
2. Bengals' meltdown overshadows entertaining performance. Burrow and Allen spent much of Sunday afternoon attempting to outduel each other, delivering two of the most impressive quarterback performances you'll see in such unfavorable weather conditions. To Burrow's credit, before his consecutive, game-altering interceptions in the fourth quarter, he played excellently, powering Cincinnati's offense with pinpoint passing that capitalized on the return of Tee Higgins and relied on Mike Gesicki's ability to make contested catches on key downs. The Bengals didn't convert 10 of 12 third downs by accident, and for much of the contest they looked the part of a playoff team that was embarking on an unbelievable climb from the depths of the division cellar to the top. Almost all of the credit for that was due to Burrow, making his two-play meltdown that much more disappointing. Instead of recording a landmark victory that would have put the rest of the AFC North on notice, the Bengals essentially kissed their postseason hopes good bye in brutal fashion.
3. Benford, Allen power Bills to another impressive win. Buffalo's Week 13 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers was built on an assortment of second-half clutch plays, beginning with a Benford fumble return for a touchdown and ending with an amazing touchdown pass from Allen to Keon Coleman and an 8-yard Allen touchdown run. Week 13 followed a similar format. Allen sparked the Bills' comeback effort with his 40-yard touchdown run -- the longest by a Bills quarterback in franchise history -- and Benford followed that with his athletic, instinctive interception returned for a touchdown, almost instantly flipping what was a 10-point deficit into a four-point lead. The Bills haven't been remarkably consistent in 2025, but it's very encouraging to see their key contributors produce in the biggest moments, a development that is creeping toward becoming a trend. On a day in which they couldn't rely as heavily on James Cook (who fumbled into the end zone), this was crucial -- and could be a sign of a team peaking at the perfect time.

Next Gen Stats insight for (via NFL Pro): Christian Benford's 63-yard pick-six increased the Bills' win probability by 60.8 percentage points (from 16.2% to 77.0%), the single biggest win probability swing on a play outside of the last two minutes in the NGS era (since 2016).

NFL Research: Sunday's electric showdown between the Bengals and Bills featured just two total punts, tying for the second-fewest combined punts in any game in 2025 and representing the first game in which the Bills did not punt since Week 1 of the 2022 season.

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• REWATCH: Broncos-Raiders on Â鶹¹ú²ú Premium
• READ: Broncos leapfrog idle Patriots to take top seed in AFC

NIck Shook's takeaways:

1. Broncos squeeze life out of Raiders. Denver hasn't been a definitively consistent offensive team for most of the season but was expected to dominate the lowly Raiders on Sunday. Known for playing with their food, the Broncos instead prevented the Raiders from taking a seat at the table. Denver converted 7 of 12 third downs, gained 27 first downs, dominated time of possession (39:03 to 20:57), embarked on three scoring drives of 14 or more plays -- with each taking up 8:54 or longer -- and simply drained the will from their opponents over the course of four quarters. RJ Harvey excelled while being asked to carry a larger portion of the ground load, gaining 75 yards and scoring a touchdown on 17 carries, Bo Nix played clean football and despite committing eight accepted penalties for 50 yards, the Broncos largely had this one in hand by the end of the third quarter. They limited their risk of a trap game by reducing the opposition's chances, then finished them off like a boa constrictor, taking care of business like a professional, successful operation should.
2. Raiders defense buckles again. It's far from new information at this point, but Las Vegas' defense experienced yet another frustrating afternoon against the division rival Broncos solely because they couldn't get off the field. In seemingly advantageous situations, Bo Nix and Co. repeatedly found ways to extend drives, keeping the Raiders' defense on the field for long stretches and wearing them down so significantly that by the time Las Vegas' offense failed in the red zone on fourth down early in the fourth quarter, the game's final result was all but determined. One could point toward a number of different factors when attempting to explain why Pete Carroll's first year in Las Vegas has been such a disaster and they'd all prove accurate. Perhaps none, though, is more glaring than the inferiority in the trenches. On Sunday, those problems saw the Raiders surrender 152 yards on the ground and lose the time of possession battle nearly 2:1. And when the Raiders needed a stop to preserve any hope of a comeback in the fourth, they instead submitted to the will of their opponent.
3. Bo Nix is finally finding a rhythm. Sure, take Sunday's game with skepticism because of the matchup if you must, but Broncos fans will likely agree: Nix is looking much more consistent and effective than he has for most of the 2025 season. Instead of choosing a half or a quarter to make his own, Nix excelled all afternoon Sunday, completing 31 of 38 passes for 212 yards and doing so by firing accurate bullets and giving his pass catchers additional room to run. It made for a frustrating day for the Raiders defense, but the emotions caused by a 2-11 team aren't a priority for us in December. What is important is how Nix is performing as the Broncos gallop into winter, and Sunday marked Nix's third straight game in which he was largely effective, representing a new high mark for the second-year quarterback because of how reliable he proved to be. With a month filled with playoff teams ahead of the Broncos, there's no better time than now for Nix to settle in.

Next Gen Stats insight from (via NFL Pro): Bo Nix completed 26 passes under 10 air yards in the Broncos’ Week 14 win, tying his career high, while throwing just one such incompletion.

NFL Research: The Broncos have won each of their last five games by seven or fewer points, tied for the longest win streak by seven or fewer in Broncos history. Those five wins have come by a combined 17 points, which is the second-lowest point differential by any team in a five-game win streak in NFL history. Only the 1986 Super Bowl-winning Giants had a lower point differential (15) in a five-game win streak.

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Eric Edholm's takeaways:

1. Late defensive hold gave Packers the NFC North edge. The NFL’s oldest rivalry delivered another classic as the Packers thwarted the Bears’ game-tying (or leading) drive in the final minute, with Keisean Nixon picking off Caleb Williams in the end zone to secure a 28-21 Packers victory. The win tilted the NFC North in favor of the Packers, who now have a razor-thin edge in the division – and a slightly more favorable schedule – with the season winding down. The teams will meet in a Week 16 night game at Soldier Field, so nothing has been decided yet. But an exhausted Packers defense stepped up right when it needed to. The Bears ate up more than eight minutes of clock to tie the game at 21 midway through the fourth quarter, and they were threatening to score on their fourth straight possession of the second half. But Kingsley Enagbare stuffed Kyle Monangai on third-and-1 at the Green Bay 14-yard line, and Nixon picked off Williams’ floater in the end zone to seal a dramatic win.
2. Potential signature drive came up short for Williams. Caleb Williams labored through a tough first half, misfiring on his first five passes of the game and throwing for only 32 first-half yards, with the Bears trailing, 14-3, at the break. He came alive in the second half, throwing for 154 yards and two TDs – including an improbable throw to Olamide Zaccheaus – helping the Bears start a gutsy comeback. Chicago’s run game also came alive after halftime, eating up the Packers’ defense with a series of short and intermediate gains and putting them on their heels. After Green Bay regained a touchdown lead with three-plus minutes left, Williams hit big throws to Luther Burden III for 27 yards and Devin Duvernay (only his second catch of the season) for 24 more, with Williams buying time and stirring up some magic on the play. But his end-zone throw on fourth down toward Cole Kmet was significantly underthrown and picked off. Williams will have his chance to make amends in the rematch, but he couldn’t break the Green Bay curse on Sunday.
3. Love, Jacobs delivered for Packers. After throwing an ugly interception in the first quarter, Jordan Love rose up with three touchdown passes, leading four TD drives in the final six possessions to lead the Packers to a huge victory. From the third quarter on, Love completed 11 of 16 passes for 186 yards and three TDs, answering Bears scoring drives with his own. The Packers went three-and-out to open the second half, and the Bears countered with an impressive TD drive (and two-point conversion) to shift momentum back – but not for long. Love’s 41-yard quick-hitter TD to Christian Watson made it a 10-point Packers lead. Then after Chicago tied the game at 21, Love got the drive started with an 18-yard throw to Jayden Reed, and Josh Jacobs Josh Jacobs took over. Matching the Bears’ punishing style on their previous drive, Jacobs touched the ball six times, gaining 42 yards and finishing it off with what would be the game-winning TD run. Reed made some subtly big contributions in his first game back, but it was the heroics of Love, Watson (two TDs) and Jacobs that carried the Packers’ offense in a big showing against a good Bears defense.

Next Gen Stats Insight for (via NFL Pro): Olamide Zaccheaus’ 1-yard TD catch from Caleb Williams had a completion probability of 16.9%, which was the most unlikely completion of Williams’ NFL career.

NFL Research: The Packers are 27-7 in Week 13 or later since hiring Matt LaFleur in 2019, which is tied with the Bills for the best record in the NFL over span.

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Kevin Patra's takeaways:

1. Rams dominate Cardinals in the desert. Soft butter offers more resistance to a hot knife than Arizona did against the Rams' offense. Sean McVay’s crew marched up and down the field at will, doing anything it wanted. Through three quarters, L.A. gobbled up 445 yards and 27 first downs, averaging 8.1 yards on 55 plays. The Rams scored points on their first five drives, including four consecutive touchdowns. The offense was so efficient that it went 32 plays between third downs between the first and third quarters. Matthew Stafford picked apart the Cards D, throwing for 281 yards on 22-of-31 passing with three TDs and zero interceptions before getting replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo in the fourth quarter. Puka Nacua was unstoppable, generating 167 yards on seven catches with two TDs. The backfield combo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum gashed for chunk gains, combining to earn 8.5 yards per carry for 212 yards and three TDs on 25 totes. After methodical 10-play drives early, the Rams showed their explosive ability late. They found pay dirt on back-to-back one-play TD drives -- a 31-yard Nacua score and a 48-yard Corum scamper -- to turn a blowout into a laugher. After last week’s wobbly effort in Carolina, the Rams got back on track, showing they’re deadly when things are clicking.
2. L.A.’s defense squeezes Cards. The Rams allowed 10 points and 153 on the Cards' first three drives. Then they woke up and choked the Arizona offense. On the next six drives, L.A. allowed one first down, 32 total yards, and Nate Landman intercepted Jacoby Brissett. By the time the Cardinals mounted another significant drive, the Rams were up by 35 points. The Rams generated three sacks, 31 QB pressures, nine quick pressures and completely negated a struggling Arizona run game (20 yards on nine RB carries). This week, Chris Shula’s defense won the key downs, allowing the Cards to convert 4 of 12 on third downs and 0 for 1 on fourth down. 
3. Wilson continues to make plays. In a lost season in the desert, let’s use some time to focus on a positive.Michael Wilson , the clear WR1 with Marvin Harrison Jr. out, made plays against the Rams' secondary. Wilson uses his big body to beat corners and shows sticky paws. The wideout put up 142 yards and two TDs on 11 catches. He was the brightest spot on an otherwise dismal day. The Cardinals' offense remains far too reliant on Jacoby Brissett. The veteran attempted 44 passes, completing 25 for 271 yards, two TDs, and an INT. He also led the Cards with 22 rushing yards. No offense can live so one-dimensionally, particularly against a top-tier team. After starting 2-0, the Cards have lost 10 of their past 11 games, including five straight. Butts should be getting hot in the desert.  

Next Gen Stats Insight for (via NFL Pro): Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 114 rushing yards on 15 attempts versus light boxes (six or fewer defenders). Williams had eight carries for 61 yards against light boxes, while Corum had seven carries for 53 yards. 

NFL Research: Matthew Stafford has thrown multiple touchdowns in seven consecutive games, the longest such streak in the NFL this season.

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Grant Gordon's takeaways to come: