The NFL playoff race has yet to be decided, and plenty of important games are still on the horizon. Week fourteen offers multiple divisional matchups, along with playoff deciding games. As each competition continues to be as important as ever, it it good for viewers to know what games to pay attention to this late in the season.
Here are five games in NFL week fourteen with major implications:
- Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Huge postseason implications lie for both of these teams currently in the hunt. While the Colts hold the final playoff spot in the AFC, the Bengals sit in 10th place, but could jump to Indianapolis’ spot with a win. Cincinnati has not held a playoff spot since week nine when a three game losing streak followed.
If the Colts want to keep their playoff spot, a victory is necessary. They can also hurt the Bengal’s chances in doing so. It has been three years since the Colts have made the playoffs and they will be looking for a return. For Cincinnati, it will need to prove its recent playoff runs were not flukes.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns
Each of these sides currently hold a playoff spot in the ever so tightening playoff picture of the AFC. The Jaguars have won three of their last four matchups, prompting Cleveland to look for some redemption. It also sits lower than its opponents, and has a chance to leapfrog over Jacksonville with a victory.
The Jaguars would want nothing more than to stop the four game win streak of Indianapolis, and perhaps send it out of the playoffs in doing so. They also still hold the chance to claim the top spot in the conference, and a loss could be a major setback. With each side looking to finish the season in the playoffs, this matchup will come down to who wants it more.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Despite their 6-6 record, the Falcons currently hold the fourth place position in the NFC due to leading their division. They already defeated the Buccaneers once this season, and another win would almost secure a victory in their division. With a win, they would only need two more victories and a playoff spot is theirs.
A loss for the Buccaneers would be detrimental, and could send them back to third in their division. This is a must win game for Tampa Bay, as its playoff chances will likely disintegrate with a defeat. It has also lost two in a row to the Falcons and will be looking for redemption against a familiar foe.
4. Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Winning five straight was able to bring the Broncos from last in the conference to a playoff spot. That spot was lost in week thirteen after they were finally defeated, but they still sit on the cusp of glory. A win could move them right back into the playoffs, while a loss may make that win streak look like it should have never happened.
The Chargers desperately need a win, as one more loss could prove to be fatal in their postseason hopes. A win serves the chance of seeing them ahead of their division rival Broncos and back in the hunt for the final AFC spot. The last two games between these sides have been decided by three points, and with Sunday’s circumstances, these teams will need to leave it all out on the field.
5. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles have looked unstoppable all season, but have been proven they can be beat. The Cowboys serve as a great test and will challenge their ability to bounce back. Doubts of them winning the Super Bowl may start to loom with their second loss in a row, but a win could prove this team might go all the way.
The Cowboys have the chance to take the top spot in the NFC away from Philadelphia with a win, and get redemption for their week nine loss. Equaling the score with Philadelphia would not only give Dallas a chance at winning the division, but move it into possible Super Bowl contention. It has won four straight games and will look to uphold that accomplishment in a big way during this classic divisional rivalry.
