NFL 2024 Week 14 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come to an end. The week that was week 14 provided us some interesting storylines. Such storylines like: a back-and-forth affair in Detroit, a near scare in Philadelphia, a low-scoring affair in Tennessee, a reunion in Minnesota, a shootout in Los Angeles and a scorigami in Miami. All those games and more in this week's recap post!

NFL Week 14 Freaky Stat

The Steelers win against the Browns at home is their 21st straight win. It certainly reminds Browns fans of their winless streak against the Steelers in Three Rivers Stadium during the 1970s and 1980s. Seattle is 10-1-1 against the Cardinals in State Farm Stadium since 2013. 

NFL Week 14 Recap

Green Bay 31, Detroit 34

Pick: Packers

A close game and the Lions clinch a playoff berth. Jordan Love hit 12 of 20 passes for 206 yards with a touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft. A quiet game for him somewhat. A person who didn't have a quiet game was Josh Jacobs with 18 carries for 66 yards with three touchdown runs from 1, 6 and 4 yard runs. He had a run that went for 19 yards that was the longest run for the Packers. Christian Watson had four catches for 114 yards and had a catch for a 59-yard gain in the game. It was a closer result for the Packers than their last meeting with the Lions. Suffice to say I think the big thing was not getting a touchdown on their last drive was what doomed them. Having Detroit having to go downfield to score a touchdown would've made it a bit of a challenge for the Lions. Suffice to say, the Packers wouldn't get it done. For the Packers, they had 298 total yards in the game and drop to 9-4 on the season. 

Jared Goff had 32 of 41 passes completed for 283 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. A pretty solid day for him. David Montgomery had 14 carries for 51 yards with a touchdown run that started things for the Lions. Jahmyr Gibbs had 15 carries for 43 yards and had a 20-yard run that was the longest in the game. Jameson Williams had five catches for 80 yards and had a catch that went for a 28-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Lions. Tim Patrick caught two and Jahmyr Gibbs had one of the three touchdowns that Jared Goff threw for scores. It was a similar gameplan for the Lions in this game, get the running game going, get to the quarterback, have Jared Goff play game manager while taking risks. One such risk was going for it on 4th down on a risky 4th down and one play on a snap that was botched but Jared Goff nevertheless flipped it to David Montgomery for a 7-yard gain. There was controversy on the play regarding whether or not Jared Goff knee was down meaning the play was dead.  Two plays later, the Lions would kick a 35-yard field goal to win it. For the Lions, they improve to 12-1 and clinch a playoff berth in consecutive seasons since 1993 to 1995 while gaining 391 total yards in the game.

Next week:

Green Bay: @ Seattle
Detroit: vs Buffalo

TW: 0-1

Carolina 16, Philadelphia 22

Pick: Eagles

The Eagles survive against the Panthers. Bryce Young hit 19 of 34 passes for 191 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown went to Tommy Tremble on a 3-yard score. The interception happened in the 2nd drive of the 2nd quarter. Chuba Hubbard had a solid game again with 26 carries for 92 yards with a touchdown run on a 1-yard run up the middle but would have a point after attempt missed. He had a run of 15 yards that was the longest in the game for a run play for Carolina. Adam Thielen had a solid game with nine catches for 102 yards. The longest pass play was a Xavier Legette catch for a 31-yard gain. He had a pass that might've been the go-ahead touchdown but he dropped it sadly. Have to make it when the game is on the line. For another week, the Panthers would play their butts off in a strong effort but sadly no win. The Panthers had 302 total yards but drop to 3-10 on the season as their playoff hopes fade to near 0%. 

Jalen Hurts had 14 of 21 passes for 108 yards with two touchdown passes to Devonta Smith and Grant Calcaterra for scores. It would be another 100-yard day for Saquon Barkley as he had 20 carries for 124 yards. Jalen Hurts was also effective as a runner as he ran for a touchdown on a 1-yard play. He had a run of 35 yards that was the longest play in the game. AJ Brown had four catches for 43 yards in the game. Devonta Smith had a catch for a 27-yard gain in the game that was the longest pass play for the Eagles. A bit of a scare for the Eagles but nonetheless it meant more of taking care of business as they hold onto their NFC East lead this season. It likely gives them a wider cushion as Washington is on a bye this week. For the Eagles, they had 292 total yards in the game and move up to 11-2 on the season. 

Next week:

Carolina: vs Dallas
Philadelphia: vs Pittsburgh

TW: 1-1

Atlanta 21, Minnesota 42

Pick: Vikings

Minnesota overwhelms Kirk Cousins in his return to the Twin Cities. Kirk Cousins hit 23 of 37 passes for 344 yards with two interceptions in the 1st and 4th quarters. The run game would do the scoring in this one. Bijan Robinson had 22 carries for 92 yards with a touchdown. Tyler Allgeier had nine carries for 63 yards in the game with a touchdown. Younghoe Koo had two field goals in the game. Tyler Allgeier had a 25-yard run that was the longest run in the game. Darnell Mooney caught six catches for 142 yards with a 49-yard gain for a catch in the game that was the longest pass play for the Falcons in this one. The Falcons in this one would get overmatched with their defense and turning it over with the two interceptions but also a fumble in the Falcons first drive in the 4th quarter. Something that the Falcons didn't need in this one. For the Falcons, they had 496 total yards in the game but they drop to 6-6 and drop out of 1st place in the NFC South with a Buccaneers win against the Raiders. 

Sam Darnold was on fire in this game as he had 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards with five touchdowns. Of the five touchdowns, Jordan Addison had three and Justin Jefferson had two. One of the Justin Jefferson touchdowns happened on a play where he had waved his hand for most of the play before getting the ball on a 52-yard play. Aaron Jones got involved in the scoring fest with a touchdown run while finishing the game with 13 carries for 73 yards. The longest run in the game was a Cam Akers run for a 25-yard gain while compiling 37 yards on five carries. Minnesota had two 100-yard receiving days with Jordan Addison getting eight catches for 133 yards and Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 132 yards in the game. The offense was just on fire in the game and their defense would put the hurt on Kirk Cousins during the game. Before and after the game it was nothing but love for the former Vikings quarterback. For the Vikings, they had 433 total yards in the game with a 11-2 record. 

Next week:

Atlanta: @ Las Vegas (Monday night)
Minnesota: vs Chicago (Monday night)

TW: 2-1

Cleveland 14, Pittsburgh 27

Pick: Steelers

Pittsburgh overwhelms Cleveland in a revenge game in sunny bright Pittsburgh. Jameis Winston had 24 of 41 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku were the players that caught the passes from Winston. The interceptions happened in the 1st and 4th quarters. Nick Chubb had 11 carries for 48 yards in the game with a 19-yard run being the longest run in the game. Winston and Jerome Ford had 28 yards rushing in the game. Jerry Jeudy had five catches for 64 yards in the game with a 35-yard gain being the longest play for the Browns. It would be a sunny day in the Steel City compared to the snowy white out game in Cleveland a few weeks ago. Along with the turnovers, the Browns had two field goals that missed the middle of the uprights. Not quite on Winston. For the Browns, they had 300 total yards but drop to 3-10 on the season. 

Russell Wilson had 15 of 26 passes completed for 158 yards with two touchdowns to Pat Friermuth and Van Jefferson. Najee Harris had 16 carries for 53 yards with a touchdown run on a 1-yard run up the middle and had a 20-yard run that was the longest run in the game. The leading receiver was Pat Friermuth who caught three passes for 48 yards in the game. The longest pass play for the Steelers was a Mike Williams catch for a 22-yard gain. Scott Miller and Pat Friermuth had catches for 21-yard gains in the game. Pittsburgh would have some struggle in the game with the loss of George Pickens to injury but would keep on going as Scott Miller would step up in a 2nd receiver role. For the Steelers, they had 267 total yards in the game but improve to 10-3 on the season. 

Next week:

Cleveland: vs Kansas City

Pittsburgh: @ Philadelphia

TW: 3-1

Jacksonville 10, Tennessee 6

Pick: Jaguars

Ugly game but the Jaguars get a win against the Titans. Mac Jones hit 23 of 31 passes for 220 yards with two interceptions in the 1st and 2nd quarters. The quarterback would calm down a bit after the 1st half. Tank Bigsby had 18 carries for 55 yards with the lone touchdown for the Jaguars on a 8-yard run to the left with 6:51 left in the game. Travis Etienne had four carries for 20 yards in the game. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with eight catches for 86 yards in the game. His catch for a 31-yard gain was the longest play for the Jaguars in this game. It was a quiet game for the Jaguars and while the turnovers did hurt their chances to win their defense would hold their own against a Titans team that is pretty much in the same boat as them. For the Jaguars, they had 290 total yards in the game and improve to 3-10 on the season. 

Will Levis had 19 of 32 passes for 168 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the game. He had a run for a 3-yard gain. Tony Pollard had 21 carries for 102 yards in the game with a 21-yard run that was the longest run in the game for the Titans. Calvin Ridley had seven catches for 59 yards in the game with a 30-yard run that was the longest play for the Titans in the game. Titans kicker Nick Folk had two field goals in the game with a 46 and a 39 yard kick that was good for the Titans. Jacksonville would score 10 unanswered points in the game after the 39-yard field goal. It was a quiet game for the Titans as they really struggled to get points in this one. A rarity as the Jaguars defense was not the greatest in the NFL. For the Titans, they had 272 total yards in the game while dropping to 3-10 on the season. 

Next week:

Jacksonville: vs NY Jets
Tennessee: vs Cincinnati

TW: 4-1

Las Vegas 13, Tampa Bay 28

Pick: Buccaneers

Buccaneers pick up big win against the lowly Raiders. Aidan O'Connell had 11 of 19 passes completed for 104 yards with an interception. He didn't finish the game as he left in an air cast with a left knee injury designation. Desmond Ridder would provide the Raiders some offense with 12 of 18 passes for 101 yards. At least they didn't lose their spirit after the O'Connell injury. Sincere McCormick had 15 carries for 78 yards with a 29-yard run that was the longest run play for the Raiders. Aidan O'Connell the runner had a touchdown on a 1-yard run. Michael Mayer had seven catches for 68 yards in the game with a catch for a 29-yard gain that was the longest pass play in the game for the Raiders. The quarterback carousel continues for the Raiders as instability at the position continues. For the Raiders, they had 286 total yards in the game but drop to 2-11 on the season. 

Baker Mayfield had 18 of 29 passes completed for 295 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Jalen McMillan had two and Rachaad White had one of the three touchdowns thrown by Baker Mayfield for touchdowns. A bit of a concern with the turnovers but if it was any other team it migh've been a bit more troublesome. Rachaad White had 17 carries for 90 yards with a touchdown. Sean Tucker had three carries for 47 yards with a 34-yard run that was the longest run in the game. Cade Otton had three catches for 70 yards in the game. He had a catch for a 44-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Buccaneers. The win moves the Buccaneers past the Falcons in the wild NFC South's coveted 1st place. For the Buccaneers, they had 420 total yards in the game while improving to 7-6. 

Next week:

Las Vegas: vs Atlanta
Tampa Bay: @ LA Chargers

TW: 5-1

New Orleans 14, NY Giants 11

Pick: Giants

New Orleans staves off the Giants in East Rutherford. Derek Carr had 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown went to Juwan Johnson. Alvin Kamara had 1 carries for 44 yards in the game with a 16-yard run that was the longest run in the game. Kendre Miller had 10 carries for 32 yards in the game with a touchdown that got the Saints on the board with 1:27 left in the 1st quarter. Marquez Valdes-Scantling with four catches for 51 yards in the game. The longest pass play was a catch by Foster Moreau for a 32-yard gain. A game that was kind of like their season with not a lot of points but it was enough for them to get a win. For the Saints, they had 292 total yards in the game and improve to 5-8 on the season. 

Drew Lock had 21 of 49 passes for 227 yards with an interception in the 2nd drive in the 4th quarter that might've costed them more had they not missed the field goal. Drew Lock was the leading rusher with five carries for 59 yards in the game. He had the longest run in the game on a 25-yard run. Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 16 carries for 45 yards with a touchdown run that was the lone touchdown for the G-men in the game. Malik Nabers had five catches for 79 yards in the game. He had a catch that went for a 23-yard gain in the game. Graham Gano had a chance to notch the game at 14-14 but he would miss the attempt from 35 yards as it was blocked. It was one opportunity but the Giants had another as Drew Lock had a pass intercepted on the drive previous. For the Giants, they had 325 total yards in the game and drop to 2-11 on the season. 

Next week:

New Orleans: vs Washington
NY Giants: vs Baltimore

TW: 6-2

NY Jets 26, Miami 32 (F/OT)

Pick: Dolphins

A Tua Tagovailoa to Jonnu Smith connection proves to be the winner for the Dolphins. Aaron Rodgers had 27 of 39 passes for 339 yards with a touchdown pass to Davante Adams. Shocking I know. Braelon Allen had 11 carries for 43 yards. The longest run was a Isiah Davis run for a 17-yard run with 10 carries for 40 yards with a touchdown. Garrett Wilson had seven catches for 114 yards with a catch for a 42-yard gain that was the longest pass play for the Jets. Davante Adams had nine catches for 109 yards in the game with a catch for a 34-yard gain. Penalties would hurt the Jets, much like their season has, as they were hit with 10 infractions for 83 yards. For the Jets, they had 402 total yards in the game and drop to 3-10 on the season and are eliminated from the playoffs. 

Tua Tagovailoa had 33 of 47 passes for 331 yards with two touchdowns. Tyreek Hill caught one and Jonnu Smith caught the other for the game-winning score. De'Von Achane had 14 carries for 24 yards with a touchdown run as well. He had a run that was the longest run for the Dolphins on a 7-yard run. Tyreek Hill was the leading receiver for the Dolphins with 10 catches for 115 yards and had the longest pass play on a catch that went for a 21-yard gain. Jaylen Waddle waddled his way with nine catches for 99 yards in the game. It was a game where both teams would struggle on 3rd down with the Jets having 4 of 12 conversions while the Dolphins going 1 of 9 on 3rd down. It was rough one. Suffice to say, the Dolphins would get a big win to creep up in the AFC wild card race while needing help the rest of the way to get in. For the Dolphins, they had 375 total yards and improve to 6-7 on the season.

Next week:

NY Jets: @ Jacksonville
Miami: @ Houston

TW: 7-2

Seattle 30, Arizona 18

Pick: Seahawks

Seattle takes care of business against rival Arizona. Geno Smith hit 24 of 30 passes for 233 yards with a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Zach Charbonnet would have a stellar day with 22 carries for 134 yards rushing with two touchdowns and had seven catches for 59 yards to a total of 37 fantasy points. His 51 yard run was the longest play for the Seahawks in the game. Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver for the Seahawks with five catches for 82 yards and had a catch that went for a 24-yard gain to be the longest pass play for the Seahawks. Seattle would jump out early with 17 points in the 1st quarter. It might've been more but it seems that the gas was let off a bit and let the defense take care of business. For the Seahawks, they improve to 8-5 with 409 total yards and ride a 4-game winning streak with sole possession of 1st place in the NFC West. 

Kyler Murray would have a challenging day with 25 of 38 passes for 259 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The touchdowns went to Michael Wilson and James Conner in the game. James Conner would contribute 18 carries for 90 yards in the run game and had a 23-yard run that was the longest run for the Cardinals in the game. Trey McBride had seven catches for 70 yards in the game to be the leading receiver for the Cardinals. Michael Wilson had the longest pass play as he caught a pass that went for a 41-yard gain for the touchdown. Seattle would pressure Murray fairly often but not a lot of sacks as they would get to the quarterback two times for 24 yards. Turnovers would be the thing that would doom the Cardinals in this one, much like their previous matchup. For the Cardinals, they had 356 total yards but drop to 6-7 and have a 3-game losing streak. 

Next week:

Seattle: vs Green Bay (Sunday night)
Arizona: vs New England

TW: 8-2

Buffalo 42, LA Rams 44

Pick: Bills

A big day for Josh Allen but a loss sadly. Josh Allen had 22 of 37 passes completed for 342 yards with three touchdowns and had 82 rushing yards with three touchdowns. He had a run of 30 yards that was the longest in the game for the Bills. For those of you who had him for fantasy football, he had 57 points. James Cook had six carries for 20 yards in the game. The Bills that caught the passes from Allen were Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins and Ty Johnson. Khalil Shakir had five catches for 106 yards in the game with a catch for a 51-yard gain to be the longest pass play in the game. The Bills really played ball with the Rams. The sad thing is that the Bills had just Josh Allen and the Rams to deal with in reality. It would be a game that defense would not come at a premium as the Bills defense allowed 44 points in a game. For the Bills, they had 445 total yards in the game and drop to 10-3 on the season. 

Matthew Stafford had 23 of 30 passes completed for 320 yards with two touchdowns to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Kyren Williams would have a good day running the ball as he had 29 carries for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He had a run for a 12-yard gain that was the longest run in the game. Puka Nacua had a run for a touchdown on a designed sweep play to the left. Puka Nacua had 12 catches for 162 yards. The longest play in the game was a Cooper Kupp catch that went for a 37-yard gain The Rams had a blocked punt that was recovered by Hunter Long for a touchdown. The game played well for the Rams as the blocked punt might've been the key play as without it it might've been a different score in this game. The game sort of felt like a Madden contest kind of. For the Rams, they had 457 total yards in the game and improve to 7-6 on the season. 

Next week:

Buffalo: @ Detroit
LA Rams: @ San Francisco (Thursday night)

TW: 8-3

Chicago 13, San Francisco 38

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers overwhelm the Bears at home. Caleb Williams had 17 of 23 passes for 134 yards with two touchdowns. The touchdowns went to Rome Odunze on 4 and 14 yard plays. Dandre Swift had 14 carries for 38 yards. Caleb Williams would run a fair bit with four carries for 27 yards with a 10-yard run being the longest run for the Bears. DJ Moore had six catches for 49 yards in the game to be the leading receiver for the Bears. Rome Odunze had the longest pass play with a catch that went for a 17-yard gain. The game was a rough one for the Bears as their offense had more punts (5) than offensive yardage in a half (4). Sadly the Bears would get better in the game but by the time they scored their first touchdown, it was much too late. For the Bears, they had 162 total yards in the game and drop to 4-9 on the season. 

Brock Purdy hit 20 of 25 passes for 325 yards in the game with two touchdowns. Brandon Allen would come in relief and throw an interception in the game. It would happen late in the game. Isaac Guerendo had 15 carries for 78 yards with two touchdowns and had a 30-yard run that was the longest in the game. Juaun Jennings was the player that caught the passes from Purdy for scores of 7 and 16 yard plays. Patrick Taylor had seven carries for 25 yards with a touchdown on a 3-yard run. George Kittle had a game with six catches for 151 yards. The longest pass play for the 49ers was a catch by Juaun Jennings for a 39-yard gain. It would be a game where the 49ers would score early and often with 24 points in the 1st half. Something that they would falter in past games as they would not hold onto leads. For the 49ers, they had 452 total yards in the game and improve to 6-7 on the season with a big game on Thursday. 

Next week:

Chicago: @ Minnesota
San Francisco: vs LA Rams (Thursday night)

TW: 9-3

LA Chargers 17, Kansas City 19

Pick: Chiefs

Matthew Wright field goal and the Chiefs are champions of the AFC West for the 9th straight year. Justin Herbert hit 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards with a touchdown to Quentin Johnston. Gus Edwards had 10 carries for 36 yards with a touchdown run. Tylor Heinicke had a run of 12 yards that was the longest run for the Chargers in the game. Who knew he was a running back as he was more of a quarterback. Joshau Palmer had six catches for 78 yards in the game and had a catch that went for a 38-yard gain. The Chargers defense would put the hurt a bit on Patrick Mahomes as they would sack him three times and hit him 12 times. The offense would only put up 17 points but would almost win the game barring a few first downs for the Chiefs and a Matthew Wright doink that sadly went through. For the Chargers, they drop to 8-5 on the season with 288 total yards in the game. 

Patrick Mahomes hit 24 of 37 passes for 210 yards with a touchdown. The touchdown went to DeAndre Hopkins for a 9-yard score. Isiah Pacheco had 14 carries for 55 yards in the game. Mahomes had a 10-yard run that was the longest run for the Chiefs in the game. Travis Kelce had five catches for 45 yards to be the leading receiver for the Chiefs. The longest pass play was a JuJu Smith-Schuster catch for a 26 yard gain. It was another game where the Chiefs offense would be quiet as the defense would hold down the fort while their offense had three sacks and a dozen hits. Matthew Wright would hit a field goal but it would take a doink for it to go through and the Chiefs to win the AFC West for the 9th straight season. The Broncos in 2015 were the last team to win the division that wasn't the Chiefs. For the Chiefs, they finish with 298 total yards and a 12-1 record with a two-game cushion in the top spot for the AFC. 

Next week:

LA Chargers: vs Tampa Bay
Kansas City: @ Cleveland

TW: 10-3

Cincinnati 27, Dallas 20

Pick: Bengals

Bengals win it in a last minute crazy sort of way. Joe Burrow hit 33 of 44 passes for 369 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Ja'Marr Chase had two and Chase Brown had one of the touchdowns that were thrown by Burrow for scores. It would be the 2nd Chase touchdown that gave the Bengals the lead with about a minute left in the game. Chase Brown had 14 carries for 58 yards. The longest run in the game was a Ja'Marr Chase designed run in a sweep that went for a 14-yard gain. It was also Chase that was the leading receiver with 14 catches for 177 yards and had the longest play in the game with a 40-yard gain that was the longest in the game that was also the touchdown. The go-ahead touchdown was a result of a rushed punt that was recovered by Cincinnati after Dallas had muffed the punt. The win was without its faults as the Bengals pass protection and penalties hurt them when it came down to it. For the Bengals, they had 433 total yards in the game and improve to 5-8 on the season. 

Cooper Rush had 16 of 31 passes for 183 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The passing touchdowns went to CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks with the Lamb touchdown being the first one. Rico Dowdle had 18 carries for 131 yards with a 27-yard run that was the longest run in the game. CeeDee Lamb was the leading receiver for the Cowboys with six catches for 93 yards and had a 43 yard gain with a catch. The Cowboys loss will likely mean that they won't make it to the playoffs if the cards play it right. They certainly played well enough to get to where they were in this game. Right up until the close of the game they had a chance to get a win had they held the ball. For the Cowboys, they had 322 total yards in the game and drop to 5-8 on the season. 

Next week:

Cincinnati: @ Tennessee
Dallas: @ Carolina

TW: 11-3

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Week 9: 12-3

Week 10: 10-4

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 7-6

Week 13: 14-2

Week 14: 11-3

Total: 147-62

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111

See you all on Wednesday/Thursday for the Week 14 Picks post! Enjoy your week!

-Tom