The Sunday of Week 14 is in the books. Here is how each team graded out on Sunday.
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The Sunday of Week 14 is in the books, and we are finally done with Bye Weeks. Week 14 showed us that for some teams, their seasons are quickly falling apart.
These grades don’t just take into account how a team played and the final score. It factors in things like expectations, short and long-term goals of the franchise, injuries, and other factors. It’s a long season, and the grade is about more than just who won and who lost. The big picture has to be kept in mind.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C
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10-6 (W) @ Titans
Credit to the Jaguars for picking themselves up off the mat after losing Trevor Lawrence to the season. So, why a C? this win is going to really hurt their draft position. With four weeks left, that’s something to consider.
Tennessee Titans: D
10-6 (L) Vs. Jaguars
A loss will help their draft position, and a good defense continues to play well. But, it’s pretty evident the team needs to start over at quarterback, and that’s a big setback for any franchise.
New York Jets: C-
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32-26 (L) @ Dolphins
Once again, the New York Jets let a winnable game slip through their fingers. That’s been the story of the season in this disastrous campaign. But, at least they improved their draft position. And, they played hard, showing they haven’t quit on the season.
Miami Dolphins B+
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32-26 (W) Vs. Jets
The Dolphins had to win to keep their playoff hopes alive, and did just that thanks to some clutch play by Tua Tagovailoa. But, giving up 26 points to an anemic Jets offense was less than encouraging. They likely have to win out, but that’s certainly in play.
Atlanta Falcons: F
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42-21 (L) @ Vikings
Just a few weeks ago, the Atlanta Falcons had a commanding lead in the NFC South. Now, it’s all gone. Another poor outing from Kirk Cousins has doomed this team to a fourth-straight loss. They’re only one game back of Tampa Bay, and they have tiebreaker. But, does anyone have any faith in them turning it around?
Minnesota Vikings: A+
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42-21 (W) Vs. Falcons
Sam Darnold was magnificent, the defense has Kirk Cousins confused all game long, and Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison continued to be a dominant duo of pass-catchers. The Vikings are far more dangerous than people give them credit for.
New Orleans Saints: C
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14-11 (W) @ Giants
The Saints won, and considering there’s a good chance they go with the interim Darren Rizzi as the full-time head coach, these wins will start to rebuild the team. But, Derek Carr likely broke his non-throwing hand, and a win will hurt their draft stock. Plus, they should’ve played better against the worst team in the league in the New York Giants.
New York Giants: C-
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14-11 (L) Vs. Saints
The Giants continue to be an embarrassment, losing the game on a blocked field goal as time expired. Drew Lock was abysmal on the final stages of the game, and anti-ownership banner planes flew around the stadium. But, with the Jaguars winning today, the Giants moved one step closer to securing the first-overall pick.
Carolina Panthers: B
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22-16 (L) @ Eagles
Yes, it’s another loss. But, the Panthers continue to play the league’s best teams tough, and had a real chance to take the lead in this game with under two minutes remaining. Bryce Young continues to impress, and the offensive line is improving, too. The future appears bright.
PhIladelphia Eagles: B+
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22-16 (W) Vs. Panthers
Saquon Barkley was dominant again, and the Eagles got the stop when they needed to at the end of the game. But, if not for a dropped pass, they would’ve been trailing late. And, AJ Brown expressed frustration after the game for his role in the offense. Still, a win is a win.
Cleveland Browns: C-
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27-14 (L) @ Steelers
The Browns had more chances in this game than the final score represents, but ultimately made crucial mistakes at critical junctures. But, like many other teams, losses are probably best in the long run right now.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A-
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27-14 (W) Vs. Browns
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Steelers overcame a slow start to avenge a loss to the Browns a few weeks ago. Russell Wilson got hot in the middle quarters, and the defense continued playing well. You’d like them to have played a bit more of a complete game, but it was a good day at the office without George Pickens.
Las Vegas Raiders: C-
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28-13 (L) @ Buccaneers
The Raiders played hard, and the loss now moves them into position to pick first in the NFL Draft. So, why a C-? Aidan O’Connell is likely out for the year, and I think the franchise would’ve liked to take as much of a look at their young quarterback as they could’ve.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
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28-13 (W) Vs. Bucs
You would’ve liked to see Tampa Bay dominate this game more than they should’ve especially since they got out to a quick 14-0 lead. But, they’ve now rallied back into first place in the NFC South and I get the feeling their best football might still be ahead of them.
Seattle Seahawks: A+
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30-18 (W) @ Cardinals
Now, this is a win that deserves a perfect grade. The Seahawks went into Arizona with a chance to take a commanding lead in the NFC West and did just that. Geno Smith was terrific, they ran the ball well, and they made a big-time statement. At 8-5, the playoffs seem likely.
Arizona Cardinals: F
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30-18 (L) @ Seahawks
The Cardinals had a chance to win a home game to tie up the NFC West. Instead, they fell flat on their face in multiple facets of the game. Maybe the rebuild wasn’t as far along as we thought.
Buffalo Bills: D
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44-42 (L) @ Rams
A blocked punt, porous defense, and terrible game management from Sean McDermott doomed the Bills to a costly loss that now has them two games back of the Chiefs for the top seed in the AFC, with the Bills holding the tiebreaker. The good news is that Josh Allen was absolutely magnificent once again. He’s likely going to be the league’s MVP.
Los Angeles Rams: A+
44-42 (W) Vs. Bills
Yes, the defense gave up a ton of yards and points. But this was a huge win over a Super Bowl contender to get back over .500 and get firmly into the playoff picture. Matthew Stafford and the duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were remarkable. This was a huge win.
Chicago Bears: D-
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38-13 (L) @ 49ers
The only solace from this disastrous performance is that it will help their draft position. This was an atrocious performance.
San Francisco 49ers: A+
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38-13 (W) Vs. Bears
The 49ers desperately needed a get-right game as they enter a stretch of must-win games the rest of the season. They got it. The offense was terrific, the defense played a suffocating first half, and maybe, just maybe, they can build some momentum.
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
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19-17 (L) @ Chiefs
The Chargers went on the road to Arrowhead, a place that has been a house of horrors for divisional foes lately, and only lost when a Kansas City field goal hit the upright and bounced in. This game should give them confidence against anyone in the postseason. Job well done, Chargers.
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
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19-17 (W) Vs. Chargers
The Chiefs continue to win by the skin of their teeth. The good news is that Patrick Mahomes is really starting to round into form, as is Travis Kelce. The bad news is that this team just cannot win comfortably. Sooner or later, it’s going to cost them.