Week 14 officially kicks off the final, brutal stretch of the 2025 NFL season. With four teams on bye, the remaining schedule is loaded with critical divisional rivalries and inter-conference clashes that will directly determine playoff tiebreakers, division titles, and Wild Card spots.
This week is defined by the race for the AFC North, a massive NFC North grudge match, and a must-win for the struggling Kansas City Chiefs.
The Marquee Matchups
1. The AFC North Grudge Match: First Place Showdown
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) at Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
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Time: Sunday, December 7, 10:00 AM MST (CBS)
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Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
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The Stakes: This is an absolutely pivotal game in the tight AFC North. Both teams enter the week tied atop the division. The winner takes the lead and gains a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker advantage, particularly since they meet twice in the final five weeks. A loss drops the loser into a dangerous position in the AFC Wild Card chase.
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Key Matchup: The Ravens’ defense against the Steelers’ inconsistent offense. Baltimore has been inconsistent, but in this rivalry, defensive physicality and low-scoring trench warfare are expected. The team that wins the turnover battle will control the AFC North.
2. The Rivalry Reboot: NFC North in the Balance
Chicago Bears (9-3) at Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
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Time: Sunday, December 7, 1:25 PM MST (FOX)
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Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
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The Stakes: This is the NFL’s oldest and most consequential rivalry game this season. The Bears, under first-year coach Ben Johnson and QB Caleb Williams, are surprisingly leading the NFC North. The Packers are right on their heels. The winner holds the lead in the division with only a few weeks left.
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Key Matchup: The Bears’ surging offense, led by Williams, against the Packers’ aggressive pass rush (led by Micah Parsons). Green Bay has dominated this rivalry for years, but this Bears team is different. This could be a passing of the torch moment or a crucial reassertion of Packers’ dominance.
3. The Prime Time Must-Win: Chiefs’ Last Stand?
Houston Texans (7-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
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Time: Sunday, December 7, 5:20 PM MST (NBC)
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Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
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The Stakes: This is arguably the most intriguing game of the week. The Chiefs are struggling at .500 and their playoff chances drop to a startling 11% with a loss (per The Athletic). The Texans, meanwhile, are fighting for an AFC Wild Card spot and the AFC South title.
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Key Matchup: The Texans’ defense, which has been gaining steam and generating a lot of pressure, against Patrick Mahomes and a Chiefs offense that has been plagued by offensive line injuries and inconsistency. If the Texans defense can generate turnovers, they could hand the Chiefs a season-defining loss.
Key Divisional & Playoff Games
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AFC South Decider: Indianapolis Colts (8-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
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Time: Sunday, December 7, 10:00 AM MST (CBS)
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Analysis: Tied for the AFC South lead, the winner of this game controls their destiny in the division. The Colts have struggled to win in Jacksonville since 2014, making this a pivotal road test. A Jaguars win gives them a massive edge in the final stretch.
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AFC Wild Card Scramble: Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) at Buffalo Bills (8-4)
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Time: Sunday, December 7, 10:00 AM MST (FOX)
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Analysis: The Bills are firmly in the Wild Card race but need a win to keep pace with the Chargers and Colts. The Bengals, with the return of Joe Burrow, are fighting to keep their long-shot playoff hopes alive, making them a dangerous spoiler.
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NFC Battle for Seeding: Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
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Time: Monday, December 8, 5:15 PM MST (ESPN/ABC)
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Analysis: Both teams are fighting for high playoff seeds in their respective conferences. The Eagles need to rebound after a tough Week 13 loss, and the Chargers need a win to stay ahead of the Bills and Colts in the AFC.
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