Steelers stun Ravens, Packers slay Bears: Eight NFL teams who gained playoff momentum in Week 14

Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season was a real eye-opener, with several swing games dramatically altering the playoff outlook.

Teams that appeared to be stumbling suddenly pushed themselves back into postseason contention. Others, dominant for much of the year, continued to impose their will on their rivals.

We still have Monday Night Football before Week 14 closes out, but it's already clear which teams' playoff hopes have improved.

Here are the biggest winners from Week 14.

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Pittsburgh Steelers - back on track?

The Steelers knew Sunday's divisional battle with the Ravens was as important as they come. They had surrendered a sizable division lead to Baltimore and were on the back foot after dropping three of their last four games.

Adding to the tension was the uncertainty surrounding head coach Mike Tomlin's future, with the league's longest-tenured coach coming under fire amid a season that, to that point, had fallen short of expectations.

The perfect remedy for that pressure-cooker situation? A 27-22 win over their division rivals, which created daylight atop the NFC North and improved their playoff odds immeasurably.

Rodgers, never shy with his opinion, had a simple message for those who doubted Tomlin.

Jacksonville Jaguars - statement win

No matter how the Jaguars' season ends, head coach Liam Coen should be applauded for turning a 4-13 bottom-dweller into the version we saw on Sunday.

His side must demonstrate more consistency before being considered a serious Super Bowl contender, but in that respect, Jacksonville's 36-19 drubbing of the Colts certainly helped their cause.

Despite what is now a four-game winning streak, the Jags are still looking over their shoulder at the Houston Texans and Colts. But at 9-4 and with a one-game lead over their division foes, at least their fate is in their own hands.

Green Bay Packers - Bear tamers

Green Bay didn’t dominate in their 28-21 win over Chicago, but very few can assert that level of authority over the 2025 Bears. What mattered was that they won and have now leapfrogged their division rivals into first place in the NFC North.

In Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, Christian Watson, and their defense, the Packers have many of the ingredients needed to make a serious playoff push.

Seattle Seahawks - dangerous outsider?

Yes, the Seahawks are winning against teams they should beat. But don't forget they also boast wins over the Steelers, Jaguars, and Texans this season.

Seattle didn't start fast on Sunday, but after halftime, quarterback Sam Darnold and Smith-Njigba were as dangerous as they have been all season, and the defense came up big in their 37-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The NFC West is so competitive that the Seahawks aren't safe yet, but they’re still very much keeping the pressure on the Rams.

Buffalo Bills - sleeping heavyweight

For long stretches on Sunday, it appeared the Bengals would claim their second major scalp, following up their 32-14 win over the Ravens in Week 13 by humbling the Bills.

But even when Buffalo found themselves in a 10-point hole in the fourth quarter, we should have known better.

A 40-yard score from Josh Allen, an interception returned for six by cornerback Christian Benford, and a touchdown pass to tight end Jackson Hawes later, and the Bills emerged victorious in the 39-34 shootout.

Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott knows there are plenty of cracks that he needs to iron out if his side are going to put together a deep playoff run, but at 9-4 and almost guaranteed at least a Wild Card spot, they're on the right track.

Houston Texans - dominant defense

The Texans may have just put the final nail in the coffin of the 2025 Kansas City Chiefs. And while wideout Nico Collins deserves credit for hauling in several big catches, the defense is what's propelling Houston toward the playoffs.

In their 20-10 defeat of Kansas City, the Texans' defense limited Patrick Mahomes to a 42.4% completion ratio, held him to zero touchdown passes, and forced three interceptions.

Houston is still one game back in the AFC South after the Jaguars' win, but with five straight wins and a defense like theirs, the Texans must fancy their chances of playing catch-up.

Philadelphia Eagles - breathing room following Cowboys' loss

Were Dallas ever really a threat to Philly's lead atop the NFC East? Perhaps for a while there, as much for the Cowboys' form as the Eagles'.

But, before Philadelphia has even played the Chargers on MNF, their division lead looks much safer following Dallas' TNF loss to the Lions.

Carolina Panthers - 'winning' despite not playing

Even when they're on a bye, the rejuvenated Panthers' playoff odds improved after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' inexplicable loss to the New Orleans Saints.

With both the Panthers and Bucs tied at 7-6, this could go down to the wire when the two sides meet in Week 18.