NFL Week 14 newest buzz, questions, information and fantasy suggestions

We’re on to Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season. Insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been calling sources across the league for the most recent information and buzz on key conditions — together with some nuggets which may matter for fantasy soccer.

This week, they’ve the latest intel on two quarterbacks — Carolina’s Bryce Younger and Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders. Younger is extension-eligible this offseason, and the Panthers even have a call to make on his fifth-year possibility. Has he performed his means all the best way again from a 2024 benching into a brand new contract with Carolina? And what are individuals across the league saying about Sanders, now that the 2025 fifth-round choose has two begins beneath his belt? Has he proven any indicators of being the longer term for the Browns?

However first, we’ve got the most recent buzz across the NFL on tight division races and key accidents. Which divisions might come right down to the wire? And which accidents may have an effect on these races? It is all right here, as our nationwide reporters reply massive questions and empty their notebooks heading into Week 14.

Soar to:
Tight division races | Key damage updates
Younger’s subsequent deal | Sanders’ future

Which division race is getting probably the most buzz across the league?

Graziano: Does anyone wish to win the AFC North? The Steelers began sizzling however have misplaced 5 of their previous seven to drop to 6-6. The Ravens received 5 in a row to recuperate from a tricky begin and get to 6-5, however misplaced to the Bengals final week and are actually tied with the Steelers for first place. The Bengals, with Joe Burrow again from his damage, are 4-8 and solely two video games out of first place with a recreation in opposition to the Ravens nonetheless to come back.

The Steelers and Ravens have two video games left to play in opposition to one another, beginning with Sunday’s assembly in Baltimore, so these head-to-head matchups might settle issues, however it’s doable they will not. Baltimore and Pittsburgh have not seemed excellent currently, and there are those that surprise if the Bengals can steal the division with a sizzling end. The sentiment I get is that the Bengals’ possibilities would look loads higher if that they had merely held one of many fourth-quarter leads that they had in opposition to the Jets and the Bears.

That is true, however in an AFC North, the place nobody at the moment has a profitable document, persons are nonetheless questioning whether or not it is doable to win the division with 9 and even eight wins.

Fowler: The stress can also be palpable within the AFC South, certainly one of two divisions that includes three groups with at the least seven wins (the NFC West is the opposite). It is notably thick in Indianapolis, which is coming off back-to-back losses and faces a unrelenting ending stretch. The groups left on the Colts’ schedule — together with two matchups with Jacksonville, which is tied with the Colts at 8-4 however holds the tiebreaker as a result of document in opposition to widespread opponents — have a mixed document of 33-15.

The Colts have been trying ahead to this troublesome stretch, which began with a Week 12 loss to the Chiefs, believing it might check their January soccer mettle. How they play over the following month will probably be carefully watched by many within the league. The Colts have misplaced three of their previous 4 video games, quarterback Daniel Jones is noticeably hobbled, and cornerback Sauce Gardner might be out a number of weeks due to a calf damage. In the meantime, Jacksonville retains discovering a technique to win and not using a dominant passing assault, whereas Houston’s protection can hold with anyone. All of this deepens the intrigue of a usually missed division.

Graziano: Because you talked about the NFC West, I will dive in there. It is doable the 2 finest NFC groups play within the West, and when the Rams and Seahawks met earlier this season, it got here right down to a last-second area aim try. The rematch will happen Week 16 in Seattle and will determine the division champ, as each the Rams and Seahawks are 9-3. However the injury-riddled 49ers miraculously sit a half-game behind them at 9-4 heading into their bye week.

That is an impressive three-way race that might nonetheless tip San Francisco’s means if the Rams and Seahawks slip up barely. The Niners have benefited from a little bit of a mushy schedule, they usually emerge from the bye with a Week 15 matchup in opposition to the woebegone Titans. However they end with video games in opposition to the Colts, Bears and Seahawks, every of whom occupies at the least a share of first place of their respective divisions. The Rams nonetheless have two video games in opposition to the 3-9 Cardinals together with a visit to Atlanta, however their hardest non-Seattle recreation takes place at dwelling in opposition to the Lions in Week 15. The Seahawks have highway video games left in Atlanta, Carolina and San Francisco to go together with dwelling video games in opposition to the Colts and Rams.

Fowler: All three of these NFC West groups are an issue in the event that they make the playoffs, Dan. I am additionally watching the NFC South, which Tampa Bay has dominated the previous 4 seasons. However the Panthers are a half-game again and preserve discovering methods to tug off upsets. Panthers coach Dave Canales will get two possibilities — in Weeks 16 and 18 — to knock off his former boss, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles. In the meantime, Bowles’ roster is lastly getting wholesome, and he has a 7-2 December document over the previous two seasons.

Which damage has probably the most playoff race implications, and what are you listening to on the fallout?

Fowler: We talked about Jones earlier, and he is attempting to play by way of a fibula damage. However he is clearly not 100%, and coaches I’ve talked to who’ve both ready for the Colts or watched them carefully say that his mobility seems compromised. It is also, based mostly on my understanding after asking round, an damage that he can play by way of. In different phrases, I am not so positive just a few weeks of relaxation will make the problem higher. And Jones may be very robust and prepared to push by way of. However the Colts are on the ropes and can want him at his finest. Their scoring output has dipped 12 factors per recreation since Week 9. One other signature large recreation from Jonathan Taylor would alleviate stress on Jones … and his leg.

Graziano: I spoke with some of us in Houston after the Texans-Colts recreation Sunday they usually stated they felt as if Jones actually could not transfer in any respect. He was in a position to hit some pictures downfield when the pocket held up, however the mobility a part of his recreation is lacking, which makes the offense appear extra restricted. I personally suppose the damage that has most affected the Colts was the one to defensive sort out DeForest Buckner, and their incapability to get the Texans’ mediocre run recreation off the sphere Sunday reveals his damage remains to be being felt.

Lions huge receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown nonetheless has an opportunity to play Thursday in opposition to the Cowboys however hasn’t practiced this week. It is doable the sprained ankle he sustained on Thanksgiving might preserve him out of what quantities to a must-win recreation. Detroit is already with out tight finish Sam LaPorta and doubtless cannot afford to be with out St. Brown in a recreation by which they’re going to want to attain to maintain up with the Cowboys.

Additionally, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had surgical procedure Monday to restore a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand. He has stated he plans to play Monday evening in opposition to the Eagles, however we are going to see how a lot he can apply upfront of that recreation (if in any respect) and whether or not that may have an effect on his efficiency if he does play. The Chargers are in the midst of a particularly robust, cluttered AFC wild-card race and are two video games behind the Broncos within the AFC West.

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Schefter: Herbert treating damage as if he is taking part in vs. Eagles

Adam Schefter tells Pat McAfee that it is unsure if the Chargers’ Justin Herbert will play subsequent week after hand surgical procedure.

Fowler: The Patriots’ have accidents to 2 key gamers — defensive sort out Milton Williams (excessive ankle sprain) and rookie left sort out Will Campbell (knee sprain) — that loom giant. Williams has validated his large free agent contract with spectacular play, and Campbell has protected Drake Maye’s blind facet with ferocity. Each must be again earlier than the playoffs, however how New England holds up within the meantime bears watching.

This offers an enormous alternative for Vederian Lowe, Campbell’s alternative and a 2026 free agent. Succesful swing tackles receives a commission, so cash is actually on the road for Lowe. Issues went effectively Monday evening, as Maye accomplished 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.

Graziano: I actually thought these Patriots accidents may present up extra Monday evening than they did. Good on them for enjoying effectively regardless of them, and I assume disgrace on the Giants for not being ok to take advantage of them. The Patriots go on bye this week and possibly they arrive out of that wholesome (although Campbell is on IR and should sit out at the least three extra video games).

Might the Panthers prolong Bryce Younger this offseason?

Graziano: I coated the Panthers this previous weekend and requested a bunch of their individuals about Younger. And from what I can inform, they nonetheless consider in him. They’ve used 10 completely different offensive line combos this season and have a younger receiver group, so the group appears to suppose the ups and downs will be blamed on extra than simply the quarterback. Younger was wonderful Sunday in beating the Rams, however he was far lower than that in opposition to the 49ers the Monday evening earlier than. The week earlier than that, he set a single-game franchise document for passing yards in a victory over the Falcons.

It is onerous to actually know what the long-term outlook is when the swings are this wild week to week. The Panthers should determine by the primary week of Could whether or not to choose up his fifth-year possibility for 2027. I anticipate them to try this as a result of the fee will probably be affordable (round $26.5 million), however then the query turns into what to do after that.

Fowler: This feels just like the basic wait-and-see state of affairs. Regardless of exhibiting flashes, Younger hasn’t progressed past midtier starter standing. The Panthers have overachieved a bit this season and low-key have seen 2026 as their true bounce 12 months. Whether or not they wish to allocate heavy sources to a Younger extension throughout a vital offseason stays to be seen. Selecting up his fifth-year possibility and having him play at the least a portion of his fourth season on his rookie deal is a smart play.

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The place does Bryce Younger match into fantasy lineups?

Matt Bowen shares get probably the most fantasy worth for Bryce Younger.

However Younger has two issues going for him. He is proving to be clutch, orchestrating 4 fourth-quarter comebacks and 5 game-winning drives this season. And he is exhibiting contact on intermediate-to-deep passes, finishing 30 passes of 20 or extra yards. So he is giving the entrance workplace one thing to consider lengthy and onerous. Ought to the Panthers have interaction, what is the candy spot on his market, Dan? Eleven quarterbacks are making at the least $50 million per 12 months.

Graziano: So, if Younger is open to an extension within the 2026 offseason, I believe it must be profitable to make it value his whereas. If the Panthers choose up the fifth-year possibility, they may have him beneath contract for 2 years at round $33 million, so it is perhaps tempting for him take a below-market deal simply to enhance on that. It’d make some sense to do a short-term bridge deal just like the one the Packers did with Jordan Love after Yr 3 (when he actually hadn’t performed a lot, as a result of Aaron Rodgers was in entrance of him). However I do not see what Younger’s incentive could be to do an extension subsequent spring or summer season that averages lower than $50 million per 12 months.

The Jaguars prolonged Trevor Lawrence at $55 million per 12 months after Yr 3, and we nonetheless do not know if he is their long-term reply. Groups do wild issues relating to quarterbacks as a result of they’re so scared about having to search out one. So until the Panthers are prepared to present Younger top-QB market worth, he might guess on himself and guess on the group being incentivized to proceed to enhance round him. Then he might play out the 2026 season and put himself in place to barter an even bigger deal after that, when the Panthers would have him for just one extra 12 months, which tilts the leverage Younger’s means.

Fowler: Groups are solely nearly as good as their quarterback choices, and Younger is definitely the Panthers’ finest. He additionally appears to have good rapport and chemistry with Canales and his workers. However do not be shocked if groups barely shift their considering relating to paying quarterbacks and present some degree of restraint. If you do not have a bona fide top-10 man, why pay obscene market costs so early? That is a straightforward name you probably have a Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and many others. However Miami (Tua Tagovailoa) and Arizona (Kyler Murray) are amongst groups saddled with bloated assured cash for good, however not nice, quarterbacks.

My level is that there isn’t any rush, barring each side making concessions that work for them. I believe Houston might be extra inclined to pay Younger’s draft mate, C.J. Stroud, early. He has higher-end traits as a passer.

What is the buzz across the league on Shedeur Sanders after two begins?

Fowler: Folks I’ve talked to see a quarterback who’s prepared to remain within the pocket and look forward to performs to develop and one who has respectable arm energy. However in addition they see one who wants extra seasoning.

“There have been numerous screens and boots [on Sunday vs. San Francisco],” famous one NFL personnel evaluator who watched the sport. “You’ll be able to inform they’re attempting to guard him, which you wish to do with virtually all rookie quarterbacks. However total I believed he seemed fairly comfy within the pocket. He simply wants time.”

The Browns entered Sanders’ Week 12 beginning debut believing he might keep away from turnovers, which he has performed with one interception in two video games. He struggled mightily with sacks in school, which the Browns knew could be a priority. So taking solely 4 sacks in two begins is a modest victory. What’s your tackle Sanders, Dan?

Graziano: To me, and to many of the of us I’ve requested, Sanders seems like a rookie quarterback. He has made some performs and throws, a few of which Dillon Gabriel wasn’t making. Sanders has made some errors, a few of which (like operating out of the again of the pocket) align with issues individuals have about him. I see no cause why the Browns should not proceed beginning him, as a result of the purpose of the remainder of their season appears to be discovering out what they’ve at quarterback in order that they know strategy the offseason. They’ve two first-round picks to assist them deal with it if they need. Sanders received his first begin, which isn’t any small factor for this Browns group. The followers are into it. He has some expertise. Let it trip and see what you have bought.

Fowler: The Browns should discover out if their 2026 beginning quarterback is on the present roster. The physique of labor by way of 12 video games suggests it is in all probability not, however Sanders has an honest runway to present the group one thing to think about. And my sense is he’ll get the remainder of the season to just do that. Gabriel is an efficient decision-maker whose expertise confirmed up in his six begins, however he initiatives extra as a high quality No. 2. Coaches I’ve talked to suppose Gabriel is barely additional alongside in his improvement than Sanders, who has the larger arm and body. Armed with two first-round picks (together with one within the high 5 because it stands), the Browns are in prime place to get their future signal-caller, with the possibility to complement him with both a veteran bridge possibility or a variation of Gabriel/Sanders.

Graziano: If nothing else, Cleveland can come out of this season with some concept whether or not Gabriel or Sanders could be a strong backup or if certainly one of them is a undertaking it’s prepared to proceed to work on. Finest-case state of affairs is Sanders lights it up and the Browns enter the offseason considering he will be the man long run. I am unsure how probably that’s at this level, however there isn’t a hurt find out. I do know Sanders has lots of people very labored up on each extremes, however my place is that he is a fifth-round rookie on a foul group that has been on the lookout for a quarterback answer for 3 a long time. The Browns could be fools to not discover each doable answer, and I believe that is what they’re doing.