December football rarely disappoints — but Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season delivered a chaos-filled slate that reshaped the playoff landscape across both conferences. With contenders slipping, underdogs rising, and injuries hitting at the worst possible moments, the postseason picture now looks drastically different than it did just seven days ago.
From Daniel Jones’ devastating injury to the Chiefs’ meltdown, from the Steelers’ division-changing win to Jordan Love’s MVP-level push, here is the expert-level breakdown of every major clash — and what it means for January.
Jaguars 36, Colts 19 — A Devastating Night for Indianapolis
Playoff Impact
- Jaguars’ playoff odds: 84.0% → 96.7%
- Colts’ playoff odds: 72.6% → 51.3%
The Jaguars not only strengthened their grip on the AFC South — they delivered a potentially season-ending blow to Indianapolis.
Daniel Jones’ season ends — and the Colts’ hopes might too
In one cruel moment, Indianapolis’ carefully built 2025 momentum imploded. Already playing through a fractured fibula, QB Daniel Jones tore his Achilles, ending his season after 13 games. The franchise’s latest attempt to stabilize the quarterback position dissolved instantly.
Indy now turns to undrafted rookie Riley Leonard, who showed heart but also inexperience. With Anthony Richardson Sr. still sidelined, the Colts suddenly face the darkest QB outlook in the conference.
Jaguars dominate on both sides
Trevor Lawrence produced his best performance of the year, carving up Indy with precision passes and timely runs. Jacksonville’s defense rediscovered its early-season form, generating takeaways and winning with physicality.
Bottom Line: The Jags look like a January problem. The Colts may not even get to January.
Steelers 27, Ravens 22 — Pittsburgh Takes Control of the AFC North
Playoff Impact
- Steelers’ odds: 32.5% → 68.6%
- Ravens’ odds: 60.9% → 28.9%
For the second straight week, Baltimore collapsed in the red zone while Pittsburgh capitalized on every opening.
Rodgers turns back the clock
Aaron Rodgers played his sharpest football in weeks, launching aggressive throws early and maintaining poise late. His connection with DK Metcalf fueled a dynamic Steelers offense.
Baltimore’s red-zone nightmare continues
The Ravens — once elite inside the 20 — failed repeatedly to finish drives. An overturned Isaiah Likely touchdown will dominate talk radio, but the deeper issue remains:
The Ravens cannot score when it matters.
Pittsburgh now controls the division
With the season sweep in reach and a friendlier schedule ahead, the Steelers suddenly look like AFC North favorites.
Texans 20, Chiefs 10 — Kansas City’s Playoff Hopes Collapse
Playoff Impact
- Texans’ odds: 54.0% → 81.8%
- Chiefs’ odds: 40.4% → 14.2%
A decade-long streak is on the brink of dying.
Mahomes can’t overcome the mistakes around him
The Chiefs didn’t just lose — they imploded.
- Three Mahomes interceptions
- Drops from Kelce, Rice, Gray, Hunt
- Critical fourth-down failure
- Under 35% completion rate when pressured
The offense looked broken, confused, and defeated.
Texans defense is elite
Houston’s front humiliated Kansas City’s battered offensive line, while Jalen Pitre delivered an All-Pro-caliber performance.
Kansas City is in deep trouble
At 6–7, with multiple tiebreaker disadvantages, the Chiefs now need near miracles to reach the postseason.
28, Bears 21 — Jordan Love’s MVP Push Gains Momentum
Playoff Impact
- Packers’ odds: 89.2% → 93.7%
- Bears’ odds: 73.5% → 63.1%
This game wasn’t just about the standings — it was about NFC North supremacy.
Jordan Love continues his ascent
Love threw three more touchdowns, including deep strikes against busted Chicago coverages. He now sits firmly in the top tier of MVP candidates.
Caleb Williams shows promise — and pain
Williams made NFL-caliber throws but also the critical mistake:
A fourth-and-one interception in the end zone that sealed the game.
Chicago’s defense was exposed by explosive plays, poor communication, and injuries to key secondary players.
The Packers take control of the NFC North
With the season series advantage and a half-game lead, Green Bay is now positioned as a true contender for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
And Around the League…
A lightning-fast recap of every major matchup:
Rams 45, Cardinals 17 — Stafford’s MVP Chants Return
- Puka Nacua dominated
- Rams ran for over 200 yards
- Cardinals reach rock bottom
Broncos 24, Raiders 17 — Denver Wins Its 10th Straight
- Bo Nix efficient again
- Broncos tie for AFC’s best record
- Raiders drop seventh straight
Titans 31, Browns 29 — Jeffery Simmons Dominates
- Simmons wrecks the game
- Tony Pollard breaks long runs again
- Browns’ QB Sanders flash-and-flaw continues
Bills 39, Bengals 34 — Josh Allen Magic Again
- Two huge defensive turnovers
- Allen leads a comeback
- Bengals’ playoff hopes evaporate
Saints 24, Buccaneers 20 — Rookie Tyler Shough Delivers
- Two rushing TDs
- Saints offensive line issues continue
- Buccaneers lose NFC South lead
Seahawks 37, Falcons 9 — Seattle’s Defense Suffocates Atlanta
- Witherspoon outstanding
- Darnold sharp vs blitz
- Falcons spiral continues
Vikings 31, Commanders 0 — J.J. McCarthy Finally Breaks Out
- Vikings deliver their biggest shutout in decades
- Commanders’ QB situation becomes dire
Dolphins 34, Jets 10 — Miami Rolls as Jets Collapse Again
- Jaylen Wright steps up
- Jets’ QB crisis worsens
- Dolphins stay in AFC top tier
Chargers 22, Eagles 19 (OT) — Philly’s Turnover Crisis Continues
- Hurts turnover-heavy again
- Chargers’ O-line injuries mount
- Eagles suddenly vulnerable
Final Takeaway: Week 14 Changed Everything
The 2025 playoff race was already tight, but Week 14 delivered:
- A new AFC South leader (Jaguars)
- A new AFC North leader (Steelers)
- A collapsing dynasty (Chiefs)
- A new NFC North favorite (Packers)
- A heartbreaking injury that reshapes a franchise (Colts)
With three weeks left, the only certainty is that nothing is settled.