WINNERS
Baker Mayfield
Struggling with injuries at the quarterback position, the Rams claimed Mayfield off waivers and started the former first overall pick just two days later in Week 14 on Thursday Night Football. It was far from a perfect performance from the QB, but with less than two minutes remaining, Baker had a chance to make a statement. He took the Rams on a 98- yard touchdown drive with no timeouts to win the contest, finishing Vegas with a perfect pass to Van Jefferson in the final seconds. It was truly an incredible scene after the game, and anyone watcing couldn’t help but be happy for one of the more polarizing figures in the NFL.
Dan Campbell
Are the Lions for real? After years and years of misery in Detroit, it looks like this team might finally be turning things around in the Motor City. The Lions are surging at the moment and have won five of their last six games, none bigger than last Sunday against the Vikings. With Seattle falling in three of their last four and Washington set to play New York this weekend, a win for Dan Campbell’s squad on Sunday would put them right on the edge of the playoff race. The city is excited as well. Detroit hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991 and the last time they made playoffs at all was in 2016.
Justin Herbert
Herbert got the last laugh on Sunday night as he dominated the Dolphins for 39 completions and 367 passing yards. NFL media loves to debate, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. So when two guys in the same draft are both taken early in the first round, their careers are almost linked forever with comparisions and opinions. While Herbert shined, Tua Tagovailoa struggled on the other sideline and finished the day with less than 150 yards through the air on 10/28 passing.
LOSERS
Seattle Seahawks
After a shocking 6-3 start, Geno Smith and the Seahawks have now dropped three of their last four games. With the 49ers next on the schedule, a Week 14 game against Carolina was one they had to have. Instead, Seattle’s run defence imploded against a weak Panthers offence while Geno Smith had his worst game of the season. If they lose on Thursday to their division rival, Seattle will move to 7-7 and be right in the middle of a fight for the last wild card spot. It’s still a better place than most people thought they’d be in at the beginning of the season, but dissapointing for fans nonetheless.
Las Vegas Raiders (again)
This isn’t the first time that the Raiders have been one of the biggest losers of the week, but it may be the last. After falling to Baker Mayfield in primetime, the Raiders are basically out of playoff contention in the AFC. What made this loss so tough to swallow (besides Baker Mayfield winning on his third day with the Rams) was how Vegas was playing before Thursday. Things were actually looking up for the team and they had won three straight before coming straight back down to Earth in Week 14.
Mitch Trubisky (again)
With Kenny Pickett leaving the game due to an injury on Pittsburgh’s first possession, Mitch Trubisky was given one more opportunity to prove himself. Unfortunately, he could not take advantage of it. Trubisky actually looked pretty good at times in the game against Baltimore, but his three interceptions were probably the difference between a win and a loss for the Steelers. It’s clear that Pittsburgh is comfortable going ahead with Pickett in the future, and Week 14 was just confirmation that they made the right decision.
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