Games of the Week
Chargers 22, Eagles 19 (OT)
A few weeks back the Chargers and Eagles looked like top contenders with some kinks to work out, but things seem to be regressing for both teams, and that was on full display in this error-filled Monday Night matchup. The Chargers offense turned the ball over three times while the Eagles turned it over five times. Nothing encapsulates this game quite like Hurts throwing an interception to Da’Shawn Hand, who then fumbled it back to Hurts, who then fumbled it right back to LA. You cannot make this stuff up.
The Chargers ultimately won, but they cannot feel good about it. Justin Herbert completed under 50 percent of his passes, yet was their most effective rusher. Both these teams have underperforming offenses and do not look ready for the playoffs. That must change quickly.
Texans 20, Chiefs 10
The Kansas City Chiefs are officially out of the running for the AFC West title and have a losing record. This team sits at 6-7 after losing to Houston, who look reborn after an ugly start to the year. CJ Stroud and Patrick Mahomes both struggled with accuracy, but Stroud pushed the ball downfield more consistently while Mahomes threw three interceptions, including one that bounced off the hands of Travis Kelce.
The Texans are heating up at the right time as the Colts just lost Daniel Jones for the season with an Achilles tear. Houston now sits one game behind Jacksonville for first in the division. The Chiefs are currently 10th in the AFC and will need a lot of help to get back into the playoff picture. More importantly, they may need to make some tough decisions this offseason if they want to field a competitive roster around Mahomes next year.
Packers 28, Bears 21
The Bears were sitting pretty at the top of the NFC with a 9-3 record and a string of heart stopping wins. Now they are the 7th seed. The Packers pulled out the win and now are a half game ahead of Chicago with a 9-3-1 record.
Jordan Love continues to play with confidence and came through late in the 4th, leading the Packers down the field before Josh Jacobs punched in the eventual game winning touchdown. Caleb Williams looked like the second year QB that he is, processing a potential game tying pass a half second late and short arming an end zone throw to Cole Kmet that was picked off by Keisean Nixon. The fact that Chicago fell from 1st to 7th shows how tight this NFC playoff race is, with the 8th place Lions sitting only one game behind the 6th seed. This game shook up the standings, but there is still a lot of ball left.
Top Performers
Josh Allen, Bills
Nothing remedies a struggling offense quite like playing the Bengals in 2025. Josh Allen delivered a massive game against Cincinnati, putting up 251 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns with no turnovers.
Tony Pollard, Titans
I do not think I have said Tony Pollard’s name once this year, but the 7th year running back turned in a performance against Cleveland that harkened back to his Dallas days. He posted 161 rushing yards and two touchdowns and briefly reminded us of what he used to do when playing on a competent offense.
Puka Nacua, Rams
Top receiver of the year has to be between Nacua and JSN, as they keep putting up wild numbers. Nacua pulled in seven catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns, continuing to dominate any DB put in front of him.
The Fall of Indiana Jones
The Indianapolis Colts were truly the feel good story of the 2025 season, at one point sitting at 7-1 with Jonathan Taylor lighting the world on fire and Daniel Jones resurrecting his career from the ashes of the New York Giants years.
Now sitting at 8-5, the Colts will be without Jones for the remainder of the season after a torn Achilles. They just emergency signed retired QB Philip Rivers for a second stint in Indy, and they are suddenly on the outside looking in at the playoffs.
It is tough to pinpoint where things first fell apart, since the losing streak began before the Jones injury, but the path forward feels bleak. Shane Steichen has likely saved his job after the strong first half, but he will not have the same cushion next year that he would have enjoyed if the team had finished strong in 2025.
Betting Strategy Adjustments After Week 14
Fade the Colts
Whether Riley Leonard is able to shake off his injury concerns or Philip Rivers actually steps in under center, this team looks cooked. Avoid them unless something dramatic changes with the quarterback situation.
Mike Evans a Big Factor in Tampa
The Buccaneers have been sliding recently, with the offense losing steam. Mike Evans is back at practice and Todd Bowles has made it clear he has a real shot to start on Thursday. Keep an eye on this, as it could shift expectations for the 7-6 Buccaneers.
Goodbye Washington
Everyone, including yours truly, expected Jayden Daniels to bounce back against a hapless Minnesota Vikings defense. Instead we were reminded why this team is 3-10. Bury Commanders betting lines in the back of the closet and forget about them. It is a lost season in Washington.
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