NFL Overreactions Week 13
USAT’s Prince Grimes gives a quick Thanksgiving recap, and breaks down the best games from NFL Week 13.
Sports Seriously
The NFL Week 13 schedule is almost in the books, with the final game of the week the New York Giants at New England Patriots on Monday Night Football (Dec. 1).
Down go the Los Angeles Rams after the Carolina Panthers upset the NFC favorite in a shocking 31-28 win, giving the Panthers a boost. The Cincinnati Bengals welcomed back quarterback Joe Burrow and took down the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens, 32-14, in a Thanksgiving matchup to stay alive in the AFC North and AFC wild-card race.
Speaking of the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t jump the Ravens in their division, falling to the Buffalo Bills, 26-7. The Houston Texans made significant ground in the AFC South and AFC wild-card race with a 20-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts, their fourth straight win.
Who else had signature wins in NFL Week 13? Check out our reaction to every NFL Week 13 win — and loss — in our NFL power rankings for Week 14. Previous ranking in parentheses.
Watch NFL games on FUBO (free trial)
Make that seven straight losses for the Titans, who managed only a field goal against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 25-3 loss. Despite quarterback Cam Ward having a clean passing game with 141 yards, the Titans couldn’t get any touchdowns. It didn’t help that Tennessee’s offense fumbled three times, with two being recovered by the Jaguars.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Cleveland Browns (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at San Francisco 49ers (Dec. 14)
The Raiders still couldn’t beat the Los Angeles Chargers, even after quarterback Justin Herbert broke a bone in his non-throwing hand. The Raiders’ long-struggling offense showed mild improvement in its first game under interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson after Chip Kelly was fired a week ago, but Las Vegas still lost its sixth consecutive game.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Denver Broncos (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Philadelphia Eagles (Dec. 14)
New Orleans entered the game tied for the second-worst scoring offense in the NFL and got nothing going offensively until the opening drive of the second half. However, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough helped the Saints close a 16-0 deficit at halftime to a two-point deficit. But a costly late turnover spoiled things, and the Miami Dolphins pulled away.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Carolina Panthers (Dec. 14)
Jaxson Dart will return for the Giants on Monday Night Football, but New York has already been eliminated from playoff contention.
NFL Week 13: Monday Night Football at New England Patriots (Dec. 1)NFL Week 14: Off
Shedeur Sanders looked good in his NFL debut last week, but struggled in the second half, as Cleveland generated only 76 offensive yards after halftime. However, the Browns’ defense still looked good as Christian McCaffrey was held to his second-lowest total of the season.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Tennessee Titans (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Chicago Bears (Dec. 14)
Tyrod Taylor led the Jets to a walk-off 27-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons, marking their fourth of the season. After an 0-7 start, the Jets have won three of five and have improved significantly with Taylor under center.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Miami Dolphins (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Jacksonville Jaguars (Dec. 14)
It’s been a rough season for Minnesota. The Vikings were shut out for the first time since Green Bay beat them 34-0 on Nov. 11, 2007. Ouch. Undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer made his first NFL start and became the first player to throw four interceptions in his first career start since Buffalo’s Nathan Peterman had five against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 19, 2017. To make matters worse, Seahawks QB Sam Darnold made his former team miss him even more after they moved on from him in the offseason.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Washington Commanders (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday Night Football at Dallas Cowboys (Dec. 14)
The Cardinals fought hard against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the last-ditch effort to save the season but came up short and have now lost nine of their past 10 games. With Arizona officially eliminated from the playoffs, there’s a potential rebuild after it seemingly ended the Kyler Murray era earlier this season.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Houston Texans (Dec. 14)
As the NFC South race heats up, the Falcons weren’t able to keep up and instead squandered their shot in a late loss to the New York Jets. Kirk Cousins had another solid game, but couldn’t outlast the Jets and help his team down the stretch.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Seattle Seahawks (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Thursday Night Football at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 11)
The Commanders are just 3-9 and have lost seven games in a row, but could have Jayden Daniels back for Week 14. However, Daniels should have more time to rest, especially with two games against the Philadelphia Eagles left on the schedule.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Minnesota Vikings (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at New York Giants (Dec. 14)
There’s still an outside chance of the Bengals making the playoffs, especially after beating the Baltimore Ravens in Joe Burrow’s return and the Steelers losing to the Bills. However, it won’t come without a lot of help from other teams.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Buffalo Bills (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Baltimore Ravens (Dec. 14)
Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t particularly sharp against the Saints, completing 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards with an interception. But the Dolphins have been rolling with three straight wins and are in playoff contention.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at New York Jets (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Monday Night Football at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 14)
It was a rough week for the Steelers after dropping their sixth of the last eight games in a 26-7 loss to the Bills. The Steelers squandered a chance to take back first in the AFC North, and they’re now just 6-6 in the 2025 season.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Baltimore Ravens (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Monday Night Football at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 14)
The Buccaneers ended their three-game losing streak with a close win against the Cardinals. Baker Mayfield returned in the victory, which gives Tampa some hope as it finishes it out with divisional opponents and the Dolphins.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs New Orleans Saints (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Thursday Night Football vs Atlanta Falcons (Dec. 11)
The Panthers continue to be one of the most interesting and baffling teams in the NFL. Not only did Carolina lose to the Saints in Week 10, but have upset both the Green Bay Packers and now the Los Angeles Rams. The Panthers will have the week off before facing the Saints yet again for revenge and chance to gain ground in the NFC South race.
NFL Week 14: OffNFL Week 15: Sunday at New Orleans Saints (Dec. 14)
Things were looking up for Baltimore last week, but then the Ravens had a poor showing on Thanksgiving against the Bengals. The Steelers’ loss keeps the Ravens at first in the AFC North, and the teams are set to duel in their next meeting.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Cincinnati Bengals (Dec. 14)
The window for saving the season keeps getting smaller and smaller for the perennial Super Bowl contenders, especially after the loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Kansas City always has tricks up its sleeve, but could that be enough as the Broncos and Chargers pull ahead in the AFC West?
NFL Week 14: Sunday Night Football vs Houston Texans (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Los Angeles Chargers (Dec. 14)
The Colts have been losing steam lately with two straight losses, and it’s taken a toll on the AFC South race. With the recent loss to the Texans, the Colts are now out of first place and are behind the Jaguars. The next two meetings won’t be any easier with the Jaguars and the red-hot Seahawks.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Jacksonville Jaguars (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Seattle Seahawks (Dec. 14)
A lot of the leaders from last season are underperforming this year, including the Lions. After losing to the Packers on Thanksgiving, the Lions could actually miss the playoffs as the NFC North is getting very interesting with the Packers and Bears surging.
NFL Week 14: Thursday Night Football vs Dallas Cowboys (Dec. 4)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 14)
The Texans are making a case in the AFC South race and got C.J. Stroud back as he threw for 276 yards with one interception. What’s really helped is Houston still has the best scoring defense in the AFC. There’s a big test remaining with the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, which has big implications for both teams.
NFL Week 14: Sunday Night Football vs Kansas City Chiefs (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 14)
The Chargers still have a shot to make the postseason after beating the Raiders in Week 13 to move to 8-4. However, Justin Herbert injuring his non-throwing hand isn’t the best news as Los Angeles has a huge matchup with the Eagles approaching on Monday Night Football. Herbert, however, expects to play.
NFL Week 14: Monday Night Football vs Philadelphia Eagles (Dec. 8)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Kansas City Chiefs (Dec. 14)
Jacksonville has had a difficult schedule this season, but has gotten through its ups and downs to become the No. 1 team in the AFC South. The Jaguars also hold a crucial tiebreaker over Kansas City in the AFC playoff picture.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs New York Jets (Dec. 14)
Don’t look now, but the Dallas Cowboys are the NFL’s hottest team
The Dallas Cowboys may be on of the NFL’s hottest teams, but can they make the playoffs? USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett bell breaks it down.
Sports Pulse
Dallas looks like a contender for a wild-card playoff berth, but can aim higher for the NFC East title as the Eagles continue to fall. The upsets against Kansas City and Philadelphia in back-to-back weeks make that more of a reality.
NFL Week 14: Thursday Night Football at Detroit Lions (Dec. 4)NFL Week 15: Sunday Night Football vs Minnesota Vikings (Dec. 14)
The Eagles seemingly had the NFC East wrapped up two weeks ago, only to suffer consecutive defeats that have them looking little like a Super Bowl contender. The 24-15 loss against the Bears at home proved that something isn’t working at the moment, especially after the tush push turned into a fumble from Jalen Hurts in the third quarter. The Eagles can turn it around with the Chargers on Monday Night Football, but it’s not going to be easy.
NFL Week 14: Monday Night Football at Los Angeles Chargers (Dec. 8)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 14)
The 49ers are 9-4 entering their bye week after beating the Browns and have yet another easy matchup against the Titans when they return. Even though the NFC West remains tough to crack, San Francisco has a good chance of securing a wild card and could get a favorable matchup against the NFC South winner.
NFL Week 14: OffNFL Week 13: Sunday vs Tennessee Titans (Dec. 14)
The Bears have won five straight and have proved that their success isn’t a fluke, especially after taking down the Eagles on Black Friday. Chicago has now emerged as the challenger to the Packers for the NFC North title, especially after the Lions have struggled and the Vikings have turned out to be duds. The biggest test remains with the Packers.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Green Bay Packers (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Cleveland Browns (Dec. 14)
The Bills have been hard to pinpoint this season as they’ve lost games they should’ve won, but then look great when they win. Even with the offensive line diminished by injuries, Buffalo’s run game exhausted the Steelers. James Cook ran for 144 yards, Ray Davis added 62 and Josh Allen chipped in 38, including the 76th rushing touchdown of his career, the most by any quarterback.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Cincinnati Bengals (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at New England Patriots (Dec. 14)
Jordan Love and the Packers looked good in the win over the Lions on Thanksgiving and swept the season series against the Lions. Green Bay can take first place in the NFC North against the Chicago Bears in Week 14.
NFL Week 14: Sunday vs Chicago Bears (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday at Denver Broncos (Dec. 14)
One of the favorites to win the NFC, the Rams shocked everyone after losing a tight game to the Panthers. MVP favorite Matthew Stafford had an uncharacteristic game with three turnovers, including a pick-6 and a fumble late in the fourth quarter that sealed the game. Los Angeles is still a good team with good players and will likely prove that again.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Detroit Lions (Dec. 14)
Things are looking better as the Seahawks are right back in the NFC West race and are 9-3 after a dominant defensive showing against the Vikings. However, the Seahawks had their fewest total yards in a game this season with 219.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Atlanta Falcons (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 14)
The Broncos have weathered a lot of close games, but have now won nine straight. With the Raiders coming up, it could be 10 games as the team sits comfortably atop the AFC West.
NFL Week 14: Sunday at Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 7)NFL Week 15: Sunday vs Green Bay Packers (Dec. 14)
There are still questions to be answered when New England takes on the Giants on Monday Night Football, but the Patriots are undefeated on the road and have lost only twice. After a break next week, Drake Maye and the Patriots have tests against the Bills and then the Ravens.
NFL Week 14: OffNFL Week 15: Sunday vs Buffalo Bills (Dec. 14)
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
NFL’s highest paid players in 2025: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive linemen | D-linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge rushers | Highest paid NFL players: Overall | By position | By team
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.