As the NFL calendar flips to Week 14, the reality starts to sink in: we’re heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The playoff picture is still a beautiful mess, and every snap from here on out carries serious weight.
While it's always a little bittersweet to see the season inch toward its conclusion, the intensity of the playoff chase more than makes up for it. And this year?
The drama is dialed all the way up.
AFC Race: Patriots, Broncos in a Tightrope Walk
Let’s start in the AFC, where the battle for the top seed is far from settled. The Patriots and Broncos are locked into a late-season tug-of-war, each gunning for that coveted first-round bye.
Neither team has much margin for error, and with just a few games left, every possession matters. This isn’t just about playoff seeding-it’s about setting the tone for January football.
Both teams have shown flashes of dominance, but consistency will be key down the stretch.
NFC Chaos: Four Teams, Nine Wins, One Wild Finish Ahead
Over in the NFC, things are even more chaotic. The Bears, Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are all sitting on nine wins, and the race for the top seed is wide open.
The NFC West, in particular, is shaping up to be a battlefield. With three teams in that division looking like legitimate contenders, every divisional matchup feels like a playoff preview.
The margin between home-field advantage and hitting the road in January is razor-thin, and it’s going to come down to who can stay hot and healthy over these final few weeks.
Divisions Still Up for Grabs
Almost every division across the league is still up for grabs, and that’s exactly how fans like it. The NFC West is the headliner, but it’s not the only division with drama.
Whether it’s the AFC North or the NFC North, we’re seeing teams rise to the occasion and others trying to hang on for dear life. That’s what makes December football so compelling-there’s no room for coasting.
Week 14 Broadcast Breakdown: What’s on Your Screen
This Sunday’s slate is loaded, and the coverage maps tell the story of what fans across the country will get to see. Every non-primetime game-those not on Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night-is broadcast on either CBS or Fox, with early kickoffs at 1 p.m.
ET and later windows around 4 p.m. ET.
No matter where you are, you’re guaranteed at least two games on your local broadcast, and of course, your local team’s game will always be shown in its home market.
If your team is on a bye or playing in primetime, networks still make sure there’s a game in that time slot for your region. That’s where the coverage map comes in-it shows which games are being broadcast in which markets when the local team isn’t playing.
Here’s a quick look at the CBS and Fox broadcast windows:
- **CBS (1 p.m. ET and 4:05 p.m.
ET):** One of the featured late games is Broncos at Raiders, with Charles Davis and Jason McCourty on the call. That matchup carries real weight for Denver as they try to keep pace in the AFC playoff picture.
- Fox (1 p.m. ET and 4:25 p.m. ET): The late Fox window is packed with intrigue, and two divisional showdowns are front and center.
Steelers vs. Ravens: AFC North on the Line
This one’s about as big as it gets in December. Both the Steelers and Ravens come into Sunday sitting at 6-6, and they haven’t faced each other yet this season.
That means the stakes are massive-not just for the standings, but for the all-important head-to-head tiebreaker. The winner walks away with a one-game lead and a crucial advantage if things stay tight through Week 18.
The Ravens are trying to bounce back from a frustrating Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals, while the Steelers are coming off a tough outing against the Bills. Neither team is playing its best football right now, but both have the pieces to make a run. This game could be the spark one of them needs-or the nail in the coffin for the other.
Bears vs. Packers: NFC North Heavyweights Clash
Up in Green Bay, it’s another rivalry game with huge playoff implications. The Bears are having their best season in years and are firmly in the hunt for the NFC North title-and maybe even a top seed.
First-year head coach Ben Johnson has this team playing with confidence and purpose. They’re not perfect, but they’re a far cry from the squad that stumbled through last season.
The Packers, meanwhile, are riding high after a big Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions. Momentum is on their side, and with the home crowd behind them at Lambeau, they’re looking to make a statement. Both teams are likely playoff-bound, but this game could go a long way in deciding who gets to hang a division banner.
Every Game Matters Now
We’ve hit the point of the season where everything is magnified. A blown coverage, a missed field goal, a third-down conversion-they all mean more in December.
Week 14 is setting up to be a pivotal chapter in the story of the 2025 season. Whether you’re scoreboard-watching for playoff positioning or just soaking in the drama, this Sunday promises to deliver.
Buckle up. The playoff push is here, and it’s going to be a wild ride.