2025 NFL Week 14 Winners and Losers and Top Takeaways

Time is waning. If an NFL team is going to make its move, it needs to start now.

Week 15 was a pivotal week for many teams. Playoff hopefuls such as the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals suffered critical losses, while teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers took hold of their division races.

A few wild-card teams—like the Los Angeles Chargers, who beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night—also managed to make a statement.

Bleacher Report's team of analysts—Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox and Moe Moton—tracked all of the Week 15 action to provide the biggest takeaways, as well as winners and losers.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert goes past Philadelphia Eagles S Reed Blankenship.

Score: Chargers 22, Eagles 19

Chargers Takeaway: Justin Herbert, Stout Defense Can Keep L.A. Afloat

It wasn't a pretty game for the Chargers, but five takeaways by the defense and some hero ball by Justin Herbert helped them outlast the defending champs in overtime.

Los Angeles will likely need to win ugly the rest of the way, due in part to injuries along the offensive line. Starting tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are both done for the year, and fill-in tackle Trey Pipkins suffered an ankle injury on Monday.

Precise deep strikes and wide-open running lanes may be few and far between, but L.A. is a team no one will be eager to face in December and January.

Winner: QB Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

A week after undergoing a procedure to address a broken bone in his non-throwing hand, Herbert essentially willed the Chargers offense to points.

The quarterback only threw for 139 yards, but he led L.A. with 66 rushing yards, endured seven sacks and multiple more hits, and was careful enough with the ball for the Chargers to win the turnover battle.

Eagles Takeaway: The Search for Offensive Answers Continues

The Eagles' offense has been out of sync for most of the season, which has placed a lot of blame on new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. However, head coach Nick Sirianni got more involved with the offensive preparation this week, according to ESPN's Tim McManus.

Unfortunately, Philly's offensive performance in L.A. brought more of the same. The offense was a slog, and aside from a 52-yard Saquon Barkley touchdown run, there wasn't much to feel positive about.

Injuries along the offensive line haven't helped matters, but until the Eagles find a way to sustain drives and play complementary football, they can't be considered legitimate title contenders this year.

Loser: QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Placing all of the blame on Jalen Hurts probably isn't fair. The Eagles have struggled to scheme up easy completions, and the Chargers' secondary is Super Bowl-caliber.

However, Hurts repeatedly missed open receivers and forced the ball into tight coverage. He threw four interceptions, including the game-sealing pick in the red zone in overtime.

Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce

Score: Texans 20, Chiefs 10

Texans Takeaway: Houston's No. 1 Defense Is Officially an Elite Unit

Every year, top-ranked defenses go through ups and downs over the course of the season based on the opponent and due to injuries, though the Texans' unit has been steady this year.

Houston has allowed more than 20 points in two out of 13 games. Even in those two outings, the Texans forced six turnovers in total.

The Texans defense just knocked the nine-year reigning AFC West champions off their pedestal, holding the Chiefs to 10 points, which is their lowest scoring output at home with Patrick Mahomes as their starter.

When it mattered most, Houston's defense took the ball away with three interceptions and back-to-back fourth-down stops. The defense entered Week 14 ranked No. 1 in total yards and points allowed. It officially stamped itself as one of the best units you'll see by going on the road and toppling a dynasty. 

Winner: Houston Texans Defense

The Chiefs opened the game without three starting offensive linemen. Third-string undrafted rookie tackle Esa Pole filled in for backup tackle Wanya Morris, who exited the game with an injury. Yet Mahomes only took two sacks.

Nonetheless, the Texans defense made stops in crucial moments in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs' four meaningful possessions in the final quarter all ended with a turnover, two interceptions and two turnover on downs. Houston scored 10 points off those takeaways to seal the game.

Chiefs Takeaway: Kansas City Faces Offseason of Uncertainty as Dynasty Takes a Tumble

Kansas City isn't mathematically eliminated from the postseason contention, but it can't win with the AFC West for the 10th consecutive year, five games behind the Denver Broncos with only four weeks left in the season. 

While the Chiefs' dynasty may not be completely done, it will need a brand-new chapter with different faces around Mahomes.

At times, the quarterback's pass-catchers let him down with crucial drops. Kansas City's defense played well at the start of the second half, but it has allowed far too many explosive plays and is tied for the fourth-fewest takeaways this season. The unit needs more impact playmakers.

Will Travis Kelce retire in the offseason? He's still one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the league, but the 36-year-old has contemplated retirement.

Does the Chiefs offense need a reset? Will head coach Andy Reid bring in a new offensive coordinator?

Kansas City has a slight chance to make the playoffs if it wins out and a few teams struggle over the next few weeks, but the organization faces an offseason with key questions about its long-term future.

Loser: TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

On back-to-back plays, Kelce dropped two passes that left many wondering if he should hang up his cleats. Mahomes threw a couple of well-placed balls that slipped through his fingertips; one of them went into the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

After those drops, Kelce looked dejected on the Chiefs bench, knowing he may have let a chance for his team to get back into the playoff race slip through his hands. Once a reliable big-game pass-catcher, the four-time All-Pro made a couple of gaffes that cost the Chiefs the contest and perhaps a spot in the postseason.

Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll

Score: Broncos 24, Raiders 17

Broncos Takeaways: Denver Must Continue to Dominate Struggling Opponents

The Broncos have become accustomed to finishing strong to win late. On Sunday, they controlled the game from the opening whistle, scoring on their first drive. Denver needs to maintain that aggressive approach to avoid a slip-up down the stretch.

The Broncos will face playoff-caliber opponents in the last four weeks. They must be on their A-game over the next month to avoid a fall in playoff seeding. 

Winner: Denver Broncos Defense

Entering Week 14, Denver ranked fourth in scoring and fifth in total yards allowed. The unit held Las Vegas to two scores and 229 total yards for the series sweep. Though the Broncos lined up against one of the league's worst offenses, this defensive performance could serve as a warm-up for next week's battle with the Green Bay Packers. 

Raiders Takeaways: Las Vegas Is in the Thick of the Fernando Mendoza Sweepstakes

Following its loss to Denver, Las Vegas moved into the No. 2 spot in the 2026 draft order. In desperate need of a franchise quarterback, the organization should be eyeing Mendoza, who led Indiana to an upset victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. 

The Raiders would have to consider teams such as the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams, who can offer two first-rounders to move ahead of them for a quarterback. 

Nonetheless, with three of their next four games against playoff-caliber opponents, the Silver and Black could be one step closer to drafting its quarterback of the future.

Loser: HC Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, an anonymous player doesn't know the team's direction with the offseason a month away. Head coach Pete Carroll leads a 2-11 squad that's worse than last year's club under first-year lead skipper Antonio Pierce. One can argue that the Raiders have regressed week to week, and for the fifth straight outing, they've scored fewer than 20 points.

After a seventh consecutive loss, Las Vegas could be looking at another reset with a new head coach in 2026.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford

Score: Rams 45, Cardinals 17

Rams Takeaway: Matthew Stafford is Right Back in the MVP Race

The Los Angeles Rams suffered a surprising defeat to the Carolina Panthers last week that involved a pair of Matthew Stafford interceptions. But the quarterback and the team bounced back in a big way against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Stafford threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns before giving way to Jimmy Garoppolo with more than 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. He hooked up with Puka Nacua seven times for 167 yards and two touchdowns while getting L.A. back in the win column and taking a positive step in his MVP race with New England Patriots signal-caller Drake Maye.

Winner: Rams' Running Game

While Stafford, Nacua and the Rams defense all deserve credit for a dominant victory, head coach Sean McVay has to be particularly happy with how his running game performed.

The Rams came in ranked 19th in rushing but gashed the Cardinals for 249 yards on the ground. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum each found the end zone, as Los Angeles flashed the sort of dynamic and balanced offense that could carry it deep into the postseason.

Cardinals Takeaway: Arizona Needs Change

The Cardinals have already announced quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) won't return in 2025. There's a non-zero chance Arizona looks to go in a different direction at the position in 2026, and that's probably not the only change the team needs to make.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort have delivered just 15 wins since taking over in 2023, and the Cardinals feel no more competitive than they did before the duo arrived.

While Arizona has had more than a few close losses this season, it has been blown out in its last three divisional games. The Cardinals simply aren't creative offensively, don't do any one thing well defensively, and have become the worst team in their division by a significant degree.

Loser: Head Coach Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals

We've called out the Cardinals' coaching staff several times this season for questionable decisions and questionable game plans. However, this was the sort of all-around team loss that could seal Gannon's fate.

Arizona scored enough garbage-time points to make this game feel somewhat respectable, but the Cardinals were down 45-10 in the fourth quarter, at home, against a divisional opponent.

The defense coughed up more than 500 yards and its season high in points, which doesn't reflect well on a coach who was hired for his defensive background.

It's getting harder and harder to come up with reasons why Gannon should return next season.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love

Score: Packers 28, Bears 21

Packers Takeaway: Green Bay Returns to the Top of the NFC North

Two weeks into the season, the Green Bay Packers appeared to be one of the best teams in the entire NFL. Then came a loss to the Cleveland Browns and a tie against the Dallas Cowboys.

It's felt like Green Bay has been trying to make up ground ever since then.

Sunday's win against a Chicago Bears team that came in with the NFC's No. 1 seed put the Packers back on top in the NFC North.

It wasn't easy, and the Packers needed big plays in all three phases to escape with a win, but Green Bay beat a very good division rival in a playoff-caliber environment.

The Packers took over first place in the division, but the win feels bigger than just a shift in the standings. Green Bay showed Chicago, and the rest of the NFC, that it's going to be a problem in the playoffs.

Winner: WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon deserves a ton of credit for his game-sealing interception, but receiver Christian Watson was arguably the standout of the game.

Since returning from last season's torn ACL, Watson has established himself as one of Jordan Love's most reliable targets. He had four catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday and is beginning to perform like the sort of No. 1 receiver Green Bay has long lacked.

Bears Takeaway: Chicago Shouldn't be Discouraged by Loss

Losing to a division rival always stinks. However, the Bears came within a few plays of at least sending the game into overtime, which isn't easy to do against a division rival on the road in December.

Chicago stormed back from a 14-3 halftime deficit and outplayed Green Bay for most of the second half.

A close loss is still a loss, but the Bears can't possibly come out of this one believing the Packers are a better team. Instead, they should feel very good about their chances of retaking the division lead when Green Bay comes to Chicago in two weeks.

Loser: Head Coach Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears

Chicago had every chance to draw even or take the lead at the end of regulation. The Bears had 1st-and-10 at the Packers' 23-yard line before calling three conservative runs to bleed the clock. They then faced 4th-and-1 with just 27 seconds left.

Instead of calling a higher-percentage play to get the first down, head coach Ben Johnson called for a play-action pass to the end zone. Caleb Williams underthrew it, Nixon picked it, and Chicago left with a loss.

If certainly felt like Johnson was too conservative after the two-minute warning and perhaps a little too cute on fourth down—especially with two timeouts in his back pocket. Williams deserves some criticism for the throw, of course, but the Bears coach would probably love a do-over of that final series.

Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/David Richard

Titans RB Tony Pollard

Score: Titans 31, Browns 29

Titans Takeaway: Tennessee May Have Lost by Winning

Yes, every NFL team goes into every week looking for a victory—players this competitive have no idea how to "tank." And after a horrific season in which the Titans have one win and the head coach has been fired, pounding out a win against the Cleveland Browns had to feel good.

The question is what it accomplished.

Yes, the Titans played their best game of the season running the ball and one of their best protecting Cam Ward. But the rookie quarterback was still shaky (117 yards passing), and by virtue of the victory, the Las Vegas Raiders now possess the first overall pick in next April's draft.

Provided the Titans believe in Ward, a trade down in the 2026 draft makes a ton of sense—provided the team has one high enough for a QB-needy team to covet.

So, enjoy the win, and then knock it off.

Winner: RB Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans

Pollard has been quiet most of the season, but against a solid Cleveland defense the veteran woke up in Week 14.

His running was the engine that drove the Tennessee offense Sunday, with 25 carries, 161 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Browns Takeaway: Shedeur Sanders May Just be Something Under Center

Losing at home to the one-win Titans was a new nadir in a season filled with low spots for the Browns. But while they suffered yet another defeat, Shedeur Sanders showed up for Cleveland.

The rookie quarterback had far and away the best game of his brief career, throwing for 364 yards and three touchdowns. Admittedly, that came against a bad Titans defense and he still made some rookie mistakes (running backwards is bad in the NFL), but he has earned the right to start the rest of the season at the very least.

How the season's final month plays out could determine how aggressively the Browns attack the quarterback position with what will likely be a top-five pick in the 2026 draft.

Loser: Browns Run Defense

Simply put, the Cleveland run defense should be ashamed of its performance against Tennessee. Entering Week 14, only the Las Vegas Raiders were averaging fewer rushing yards per game than the Titans' 76.7.

Against the Browns, the Titans had 35 carries for 184 yards and two scores as a team—an average of 5.3 yards a pop.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

Bills QB Josh Allen

Score: Bills 39, Bengals 34

Bills Takeaway: Bills Quarterback Josh Allen is a Mutant

There has been no shortage of praise-filled prose written about Allen over the past several years. And he has put on a show on multiple occasions this season—and he raised the curtain again in the snow on Sunday.

All he did against the Bengals was lead the Bills back from three double-digit deficits. He has outstanding with his arms to the tune of 251 passing yards, three touchdowns and a passer rating of 139.7. He also hurt the Bengals on the ground, gaining 78 yards and finding the end zone on nine carries.

Barring an epic collapse by the New England Patriots, the Bills aren't winning the AFC East again. Allen probably won't win a second consecutive MVP award.

Make no mistake, though: No team in the AFC wants to host Allen and the Bills in the Wild Card Round.

Winner: Bills Tight Ends Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid

It's no secret the wide receiver position has been an issue for the Bills this season. But that didn't matter even a little against Cincinnati—because the team's tight ends went off.

In his return from injury, Dalton Kincaid caught four of five targets for 41 yards and a score. Dawson Knox saw a team-high seven targets, catching six passes for 93 yards.

Bengals Takeaway: The Bengals Have to Focus on Defense in the Offseason

After falling in Buffalo Sunday, any faint hopes the Bengals had of making the playoffs are gone. And the Cincinnati defense isn't solely to blame for the loss—that might be foreshadowing.

However, once this disappointing season ends, fixing the Bengals' pathetic defense has to be priority No. 1 in the offseason.

Cincinnati logged three sacks Sunday, but with top edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson out, generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks has been a spotty proposition at best. The team's No. 1 linebacker (Barrett Carter) is regressing by the week after a promising start. The defense has been savaged by tight ends all season.

The Bengals have had no problem scoring this year. But that's of little good in your defense can't ever get stops. This was a game where they converted 10 of 12 third downs—and lost.

Loser: QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

It might seem a bit strange to call a quarterback who threw four touchdown passes a "Loser," but Burrow threw a pair of back-breaking interceptions in the second half. One returned for a touchdown, and the other led to one.

You can't make those kinds of mistakes in a close game against a good team.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf

Score: Steelers 27, Ravens 22

Steelers Takeaway: Pittsburgh Retains Division Lead

The AFC North isn't pretty. That isn't about the division's usual style of physical play, either. In this instance, it lacks a quality squad. The 7-6 Steelers now own the division by default. 

The Steelers lost three of their last four games entering Sunday's contest. But Mike Tomlin's squad handled its business and made sure Baltimore didn't leapfrog it in the standings. 

While Pittsburgh now claims the division lead, the crown still remains up for grabs and these same two teams are set to meet in Week 18, which could realistically determine which organization makes the postseason. 

Winner: WR DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers

The version of Metcalf that Pittsburgh desired when the organization traded for the wide receiver this offseason showed up against the Ravens. 

George Pickens, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys by the Steelers, had more receiving yardage than the entirety of Pittsburgh's wide receivers entering Sunday's contest. 

Metcalf must have taken that trending stat personally, because he posted a season-high seven catches for 148 yards during Pittsburgh's latest outing. If he plays similarly for the rest of the season, the Steelers' path toward a divisional title becomes far more manageable. 

Ravens Takeaway: Baltimore Fails Despite Favorable Setup

The Ravens aren't a good team.

John Harbaugh's squad lost four of its first five games. An opportunity arose to get on a roll, particularly with a healthy Lamar Jackson in the lineup. A surge began, only to be stopped abruptly. A favorable schedule coupled with the reeling Steelers should have provided the Ravens with a red carpet to claim the division lead. 

Instead, Baltimore lost its last two contests, which shows how inconsistent this team can be, starting with the quarterback position. 

Loser: QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

The version of Jackson everyone has seen over the last five weeks has been a hindrance to the Ravens offense.

During that stretch, he's yet to complete 60 percent of his passes in any of those contests. The two-time NFL MVP is not making good decisions and providing little as a playmaker.

He threw another bad interception instead of potentially running for a first down. He inexplicably took a sack with the game on the line in Pittsburgh territory and no timeouts, which ended the contest. 

If the Ravens plan on making any noise to legitimately go on a run, Jackson must show far more than he has since the calendar turned to November. 

Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28)

Score: Dolphins 34, Jets 10

Dolphins Takeaway: Miami Is Shedding Finesse Label with a Physical Identity 

Since the Dolphins hired head coach Mike McDaniel, critics have questioned the team's ability to win in inclement weather and against physical opponents.

In their last six games, Miami has played hard-nosed football, with a stout defense that's allowing about 15 points and a ground game averaging 166 yards.

Lost in the discussion over McDaniel's job security, he's helped the Dolphins establish a physical identity that has fueled a four-game win streak.

Winner: Miami Dolphins Ground Game

The Dolphins ran for a season-high 247 yards in a dominant win over the Jets. Jaylen Wright led the backfield with 107 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. De'Von Achane averaged a whopping 13.1 yards per carry.

Wright, Achane and rookie sixth-rounder Ollie Gordon II all scored a touchdown.

From start to finish, the Dolphins ran the ball down the Jets' throats.

Jets Takeaway: Gang Green Is a Feisty Team That's Sorely Lacking in Talent

The Jets have taken on the identity of their head coach, Aaron Glenn. They're a feisty group that will challenge opponents on every down. That said, this team lacks the talent to sustain any momentum.

Before the trade deadline, the Jets traded defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner. They entered Week 14 with the 27th-ranked scoring defense. On Sunday, quarterback Tyrod Taylor exited in the first quarter because of a groin injury. Undrafted rookie Brady Cook took over for him.

The Jets will run out of steam early in their games if Taylor isn't able to play for the remainder of the season.

Loser: New York Jets' Pass-Catching Group

Taylor elevated the Jets' passing attack after he took over for Justin Fields in Week 12. John Metchie III emerged as a go-to target, and Adonai Mitchell recorded career highs in catches (eight) and receiving yards (102) last week.

If Taylor isn't back next week, Cook could get another start as Fields deals with a knee injury, which doesn't bode well for New York's aerial attack.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Score: Jaguars 36, Colts 19

Jaguars Takeaway: AFC South Goes Through Jacksonville

Sunday's contest between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts was a head-to-head matchup for outright ownership of first place in the AFC South. The Jaguars defeated the Colts in Jacksonville to stake their claim atop the rankings. 

The schedule sets up nicely for the Jaguars as well, with remaining contests against the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and the Daniel Jones-less Colts. 

Winner: WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Thomas has been the forgotten man in the Jaguars offense. His usage comes and goes despite his abilities to serve as a legitimate No. 1 target. 

The 2024 first-round draft pick posted 1,282 receiving yards as a rookie. He had 448 entering Sunday's contest. 

The Jaguars didn't feed Thomas, but they remembered how dangerous he can be, specifically as a downfield threat. He caught three passes for 87 yards. For the first time in his career, he produced two catches for 30 or more yards in the same contest. 

Colts Takeaway: Indianapolis' Playoff Hopes on Life Support

Cue former Colts head coach Jim E. Mora: "Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs. You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game. Another game." 

Twenty-four years later, Indianapolis finds itself in a similar situation. This season's Colts may not win another game, which is a stunning turn of events after their amazing start. 

Since Indianapolis' Week 11 bye, the Colts lost three straight games. Prior to that point, an 8-2 record had them counted among the league's best, with running back Jonathan Taylor at the forefront of the MVP conversation. 

Now, the team is quickly falling apart, and Jones won't be on the field to help.

Loser: QB Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Jones' magical season, where he appeared to find a home in Indianapolis as the Colts' franchise quarterback, likely came to an end after suffering a non-contact Achilles tendon injury. 

That injury will create significant ripple effects. 

Jones is a free agent after this season. While the Colts should re-sign their QB1, the financial terms will almost certainly be affected. He may not even be ready to play by the start of the 2026 campaign. 

Furthermore, the Colts went all-in this season after their fantastic start. As part of the Sauce Gardner trade, general manager Chris Ballard sent next year's first-round pick to the New York Jets. That selection will almost certainly rise up the draft order if/when the Colts struggle. 

Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Seahawks S Nick Emmanwori

Score: Seahawks 37, Falcons 9

Seahawks Takeaway: This Seattle Team is a Legitimate Super Bowl Threat

Despite having an excellent season, the Seattle Seahawks haven't had a ton of run as a top contender to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX.

After dismantling the Falcons in Atlanta, Seattle should.

There wasn't anything the Seahawks didn't do well Sunday against the Falcons. Sam Darnold was again effective and efficient throwing the ball. The team didn't post gaudy numbers running the ball, but it was solid on a per-carry basis. The defense forced multiple second-half turnovers and held Falcons running back Bijan Robinson in check.

With a home date with the Los Angeles Rams and a trip to San Francisco still on the schedule, the Seahawks have a real chance to claim first place in the NFC West—and the No. 1 seed in the NFC is still very much in play.

Winner: S Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks

Emmanwori has been a versatile chess piece for the Seahawks this season, playing all over the formation. In Week 14, he had one of the most impactful games of his rookie season.

For the game, he posted six total tackles (five solo), logged a sack of Kirk Cousins and intercepted a pass.

Not a bad day at the office.

Falcons Takeaway: Many Major Decisions Loom for the Falcons This Offseason

Injuries have admittedly blasted the Falcons this season—the team was without starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and No. 1 wide receiver Drake London in Sunday's blowout loss to the Seahawks.

As the Falcons barrel toward their eighth consecutive losing season, though, the question now is where the team goes from here.

Atlanta reportedly won't make any decisions on Raheem Morris' future until after the future, but it's hard to imagine him getting a third year at the helm after the team took a substantial step backward in 2025.

There's also the future of Penix, who has underwhelmed in his first two seasons. It's a similar situation as Morris—do they give the youngster another chance or look at alternatives under center?

Loser: QB Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

One thing is certain: Kirk Cousins is not the answer to Atlanta's quarterback quandary.

The 37-year-old was dreadful once again against the Seahawks, completing just 15 of 30 passes for 162 yards and a pair of picks.

Cousins' passer rating in the game? 38.5.

Washington Commanders vs. Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Matt Krohn

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy

Score: Vikings 31, Commanders 0

Vikings Takeaway: J.J. McCarthy Can Be a Viable Starter with a Complementary Ground Game

As a starter at Michigan, McCarthy posted solid numbers and made accurate throws in critical spots. He also played with a rushing attack that averaged nearly 239 yards in 2022 (fifth-most among FBS schools) and 169 yards in 2023.

In the win over the Commanders, the Vikings dominated time of possession in the first half and ran the ball effectively. Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason averaged more than 4.6 yards per carry.

In the early years of McCarthy's career, Minnesota's offensive identity should resemble Michigan's with a strong ground game, which takes pressure off him and allows the second-year signal-caller to pick his spots.

Winner: QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

McCarthy deserves credit for his efficient performance. He turned the ball over in all six of his starts before Sunday's game. The 22-year-old didn't commit a turnover Sunday and threw for three touchdowns with a 70 percent completion rate. He also added 19 yards on the ground.

The Vikings didn't need McCarthy to be a high-volume passer because Jones and Mason ran through the Commanders defense, and their defensive unit forced turnovers to give them short fields, which was the ideal situation for the young quarterback to play his best game as a pro.

Commanders Takeaway: It's Time to Shut Down Jayden Daniels for the Season

Instinctively, players want to compete if they're healthy enough, but the Commanders must protect their franchise quarterback. Early in the third quarter, Daniels took a fall as the Vikings returned his lone interception into Washington territory. He didn't return to the game.

At 3-10, Washington is out of the playoff picture. On multiple occasions, Daniels adjusted the sleeve on his dislocated elbow. He didn't seem completely comfortable playing with the protection on his arm. As a thinly built signal-caller who's been banged up in two years, he is prone to injury. 

The Commanders should put the 24-year-old on ice for the remaining four weeks of the season if he feels discomfort in his elbow or is uncomfortable playing with protection on his non-throwing arm.

Loser: Washington Commanders Offense

Washington didn't put any points on the scoreboard. Even with Daniels on the field, the Commanders couldn't get anything going against the Vikings defense. They turned the ball over three times and came away with nothing on two trips to the red zone.

The Commanders offense hit rock bottom on Sunday.

New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough

Score: Saints 24, Buccaneers 20

Saints Takeaway: New Orleans Could Have a Difficult QB Decision in April

Entering Week 14, the New Orleans Saints had just two wins and appeared destined for a top-five draft selection. That would have put them in a prime position to chase a quarterback near the top of the 2026 draft.

They may still end up with a top-five pick, but if rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough keeps playing like he did on Sunday, they may be more interested in other options.

Shough didn't have the most impressive passing numbers, but he managed the game extremely well, torched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense with his legs and picked up his second win of the season against a division rival.

Winner: Head Coach Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints

Shough will likely command the headlines this week, but rookie head coach Kellen Moore comes away as the big winner. He didn't exactly inherit a great team, but New Orleans likely expected more than two wins and the 30th-ranked scoring offense by December.

Moore called arguably his best game of the season against Tampa. The offense showed some creative wrinkles. The Saints only punted once in the second half while beating a team that looked ready to run away with the NFC South earlier in the year.

While Moore may not have been on the hot seat in Year 1, he needed a win like this one.

Buccaneers Takeaway: Injuries May Leave Tampa Out of the Playoffs

At the end of October, the Buccaneers were 6-2 and looking like near-locks for the NFC South. They've lost four of five since, though, and may simply be too banged-up to bounce back.

Tampa didn't have star left tackle Tristan Wirfs in this one, and it watched guard Ben Bredeson, safety Tykee Smith, and edge-rusher Haason Reddick exit with injuries.

The 7-6 Bucs have two games against the 7-6 Carolina Panthers remaining that will likely decide the division. Right now, it's hard to envision Tampa being considered a legitimate favorite in either contest.

Loser: OC Josh Grizzard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield is missing several members of his supporting cast, is dealing with an AC-joint sprain in his left shoulder, and played most of Sunday's game in a downpour. None of that should excuse a disastrous offensive outing by the Buccaneers.

Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard will have to wear this loss. The aggressive approach by head coach Todd Bowles can certainly be questioned, but Tampa might have escaped this game with some better play-calling on money downs.

Tampa was just 3-of-13 on third down and 2-of-7 on fourth down against one of the more suspect defenses in the NFL. It's tough to win with that level of inefficiency.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs

Score: Lions 44, Cowboys 30

Lions Takeaway: Despite Regression, Detroit Remains in Playoff Mix

This year's Detroit Lions simply aren't as good as they were a season ago. The personnel isn't drastically different, but significant turnover occurred within the team's coaching staff and some of the breaks that fell in its favor last season haven't during the current campaign.

Even so, the Lions are now 8-5 with Thursday's victory over the Dallas Cowboys. If the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears don't win this weekend, Detroit will be in striking distance of another NFC North title. The Lions can't let up, though.

Three squads outside of the division leaders already claimed eight wins. Plus, Dan Campbell's team still has the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Bears left on the docket.

The group took care of business to keep hopes alive, but the Lions need to finish like the team they were last season to truly make a run.

Winner: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

There will never be another Barry Sanders. Gibbs is by far the closest to don a Lions uniform since Sanders' surprise retirement over a quarter-century ago.

Gibbs' ability to work in space and make defenders look silly is Sanders-esque. Multiple instances from Thursday's contest can be highlighted where certain Cowboys don't want to see the tape, because the Lions' running back dusted them.

The 2023 first-round draft pick also tied Sanders for the most total touchdowns in NFL history before turning 24 years old (47). Gibbs' 24th birthday falls after the 2025 campaign ends. The record should be his sooner rather than later.

Gibbs' latest effort included 43 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards and three total touchdowns.

Cowboys Takeaway: Dallas Hopes a Postseason Appearance Quickly Fade

Entering Thursday's contest, NFL Next Gen Stats had the Cowboys at a nine percent chance of making the postseason with another loss, per the Amazon Prime telecast.

Welp, the Lions snapped Dallas' three-game winning streak and dropped the Cowboys to a 6-6-1 record. Seven different conference teams already have two more wins, not including whoever emerges out of the NFC South.

The Cowboys' season isn't over after their latest loss, but it's close. Dallas will likely need to win out and get some help along the way.

Loser: WR George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

Pickens looked like a legitimate WR1 in recent weeks. In fact, the 24-year-old target produced 378 receiving yards during the last three contests. But he looked disinterested and borderline lackadaisical during portions of Thursday's game.

Even with CeeDee Lamb leaving the contest with a concussion, Pickens didn't pick up the slack. Ryan Flournoy did, catching nine passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.