Division races are coming down to the wire, and the Wild Card spots are up for contention by far too many teams to count on one hand. That’s the glory of Week 14 in the NFL season; it is simply make or break for some teams.
That said, let’s check out the top storylines for this week.
1. Will the Cincinnati Bengals take hold of the AFC North?
The Bengals have won three straight roads games after struggling mid-season, leading them to more than a game lead on the rest of the division. The Pittsburgh Steelers come to town looking to save their season.
Andy Dalton needs to be on point against the Steelers after throwing three interceptions against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he can be consistent in the pocket and Giovani Bernard can get going, the Bengals could make it four straight.
2. How long will Robert Griffin III sit out?
It’s almost a certainty at this point that Colt McCoy will start Sunday and the rest of the season. However, if Dan Snyder wants his franchise quarterback to play, then it could happen quickly.
Still, McCoy will get his shot at beating the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. He completed 66 percent of his passes for three touchdowns last week, but he defense let him. Could it be the same story?
3. Will the New Orleans Saints finally run away with the NFC South?
Somehow, the 5-7 Saints taking on the 3-9 Carolina Panthers is a matchup with playoff implications. That’s how bad the division has been this season, but the Saints have a chance to seize the momentum after a win at Pittsburgh.
Drew Brees is doing all he can, completing 70 percent of his passes in three straight games, but the depleted Saints defense needs to step up. Against a 21st-ranked Panthers offense, the Saints could move forward Sunday.
4. Will the Cleveland Browns keep their season alive with Brian Hoyer?
After benching Hoyer in the second half of the loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Head Coach Mike Pettine is sticking with his starter. However, the skepticism could create tension in a Browns locker room that should be focused on winning.
In come the 8-4 Indianapolis Colts, who have a few former Browns on the roster. The Browns pass defense ranks eighth in the league, but it’ll need to step it up against Andrew Luck and the Colts passing attack.
5. Can the Detroit Lions keep up with the Green Bay Packers?
The Packers are certainly hot at the moment, and losing two out of three games doesn’t help Matthew Stafford and company. A matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a must-win if the Lions want to take the NFC North.
Luckily for the Lions, the Buccaneers sit 30th in rushing and the Lions are first. Josh McCown will have to pass against a defense that is just as stingy through the air, so it could be a long day for the Buccaneers.
6. Can the Houston Texans creep into the Wild Card race?
We get it, J.J. Watt can catch a five-yard pass in the endzone. He’s all the rage around the league, but what about the rest of the Texans?
Ryan Fitzpatrick had a career day against the Tennessee Titans last week, and he’ll be up against another weak pass defense Sunday in Jacksonville. If he can find DeAndre Hopkins early and often, his team could move up in the standings.
7. Will Peyton Manning take down another strong team?
Last week, the Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, with Manning throwing two touchdown passes. He’ll be up against another rough defense in the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Manning hasn’t thrown an interception in two weeks and may not have to pass as often as then, with the emergence of running back C.J. Anderson. However, the Bills are no rollover opponent, so it could take another complete effort from the Broncos.
8. Will Drew Stanton step it up?
Since Carson Palmer tore his ACL and was ruled out for the season, all eyes were focused on Stanton and his chances to lead the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs. After two straight road losses, doubt is slipping in.
Stanton will face a Chiefs defense that sits first in defending the pass. With a banged-up Andre Ellington, the Cardinals will need a good game from Stanton and his passing attack.
9. Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This is a marquee matchup that could have huge implications for the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks are peaking at the right time, winning two straight over division opponents, and the Eagles are hot as well.
Mark Sanchez will look to beat a top-notch Seahawks defense that shut down both the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. Even if the Eagles try to run, the Seahawks can defend it as well.
10. Will the New England Patriots lose a second straight road game?
Tom Brady and his team struggled against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field last week, but so have many teams. The challenge will come against the San Diego Chargers this time around, a team that is clinging to its Wild Card spot.
The Patriots are 7-0 when they score 30 or more points, but the Chargers have only allowed that many three times this season. With the Chargers taking the momentum from a comeback win last week, it could be a tough game for the Patriots.