2023 NFL Week 14 Preview: Do-or-Die Situations
As the NFL enters the final full month of the regular season, several teams are in a do-or-die situation. After the Dallas Cowboys face the Cincinnati Bengals on “Monday Night Football,” only four weeks remain in the competition. With the playoff picture becoming clearer, the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions have already secured their playoff spots, while the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots have been eliminated. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Lions are striving to maintain their division leads, while intense races for wild-card positions are underway.
Kirk Cousins’ Return to Minnesota
In a key matchup, Kirk Cousins returns to Minnesota after leaving the Vikings for a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. This Sunday, he will try to lead the Falcons (6-6) to victory against the Vikings and end a three-game losing streak. Previously, Cousins helped the Vikings earn two playoff appearances and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, currently ranking sixth in the NFL with 3,052 passing yards this season, although he has struggled with six interceptions and no touchdowns during the recent slump.
On the other hand, the Vikings have won five consecutive games, bolstered by a formidable defense that leads the NFL with 18 interceptions and allows just 18.3 points per game. Cousins’ replacement, Sam Darnold, has been effective, with six touchdown passes and no picks in the past three weeks. This critical matchup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Browns vs. Steelers Rematch
The Cleveland Browns will face the Pittsburgh Steelers again after stunning them in a 24-19 victory two weeks ago, despite significant turnover issues. Jameis Winston’s late-game performance helped seal the upset, but Cleveland’s playoff hopes are slim at 3-9. Pittsburgh, fresh off an impressive win over Cincinnati and aiming to extend its division lead, looks to exact revenge. Russell Wilson had a standout game with 414 passing yards against the Bengals, and the Steelers are hungry for a seventh victory in eight games. This rematch is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
NFC West Showdown: Seahawks vs. Cardinals
After Seattle’s 16-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, both teams meet again, this time in Arizona. The Seahawks are riding a three-game winning streak (7-5), while the Cardinals are looking to end a two-game skid. A win for Seattle drastically improves their playoff chances to 73%, while an Arizona victory provides a pathway to the playoffs with a 59% chance. This pivotal game takes place at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Chiefs Aim for AFC West Dominance
The Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) have been a dominant force in the AFC West, winning the division for the past eight years. They face off against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, with a playoff spot already secured and a chance to clinch the division title. The Chargers (8-4), who have struggled historically against the Chiefs, look to end a six-game losing streak to their division rivals. Improved health and lessons learned from their previous matchup could prove crucial as the game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Bears’ Leadership Change Ahead of 49ers Matchup
The Chicago Bears have fired head coach Matt Eberflus following a disappointing Thanksgiving Day loss. Interim coach Thomas Brown now takes over, aiming to spark a team that has lost six straight games. The Bears (4-8) will face the San Francisco 49ers, who are also struggling, currently at 5-7 and on a three-game losing streak. Despite the odds against them, both teams look to regroup under new or interim leadership when they meet at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
For all fans, Week 14 promises intense matchups and critical implications for playoff hopes in the NFL.
Source and credits: www.nytimes.com
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