Last week was an absolute treat for NFL fans.
A Thanksgiving triple-helping into a Black Friday clash where the upstart Bears rolled the Eagles in Philly.
This week, we see some gigantic contests where only a win will do.
Teams seemingly destined for the playoffs are desperate for victory. Kansas City might not be able to lose another game this season, the Lions are beginning to look like they are in a similar situation, whilst Baltimore has more problems than answers for now.
Here’s what the week ahead looks like.
For the latest NFL news, predictions, and betting tips, read on with my NFL Tips & Predictions for week 14 below!
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions
Friday, December 5th, 12:15 PM, AEDT, Ford Field, Detroit
Suddenly, Dallas needs to keep winning to sneak into wildcard calculations, whilst their opponent - a team many picked to win the Super Bowl - is fighting and scrapping for everything.
The Lions are talented, no doubt, but they’re also banged up in key areas and have looked less like last season’s version, where they were an offensive masterpiece.
The Cowboys grabbed a crucial Thanksgiving Day win over Kansas City, which sees them right in the wildcard hunt… as well as only being 1.5 games behind Philadelphia for the NFC East crown.
Jahmyr Gibbs can be the difference-maker for the Lions, provided the offensive line holds up. This Dallas D has improved in recent weeks, meaning the winner of the Lions O line, Dallas D line battle may determine the whole football game.
Indoors at Ford Field, I doubt these Lions lose twice in a row.
Betting tip: Lions 34 - Cowboys 31
Best Bet: Jahmyr Gibbs 2+ TD
Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs
Monday, December 8th, 12:20 PM AEDT, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
This is a rematch from the 2024/25 Divisional Round of the playoffs, where the Texans hung tough in KC, only for Mahomes and Kelce to link up in the fourth quarter and secure victory.
The Texans arrive in form, despite quarterback injuries. They’ve won four straight and have been able to lean into the NFL’s best defence all along. Head Coach DeMeco Ryans has this group humming.
KC looked the goods on Thanksgiving in Dallas, but once Dak and the Cowboys gained momentum, they were powerless to overcome them. At 6-6 on the season, you start to become exactly what your record says you are. And maybe, just maybe, this season’s version of the Chiefs is average - just like the record suggests.
Back in likely freezing KC, I’d expect Mahomes and co. to get things corrected and remain alive for another week.
Betting tip: Chiefs 20 - Texans 17
Best Bet: -41.5 points & Travis Kelce 70+ receiving yards
Philadelphia Eagles vs Los Angeles Chargers
Tuesday, December 9th, 12:15 PM AEDT, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
This is a fascinating contest filled with drama left and right.
Speaking of the left, there are issues with the left hand of Chargers QB Justin Herbert. He was rushed in for a Monday morning surgery to repair a broken left paw. Luckily, he’s right-handed, but it’s fairly obvious he will be under some duress throughout - if he can even play at all.
For Philly, I feel they’re bowing to the external pressures. And perhaps even some internal pressure from WR AJ Brown. They went to - and won - Super Bowls with a run-heavy offensive scheme dominated by Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and a dominant offensive front.
The offensive line is no longer dominant, Saquon looks like he’s had his talents stolen Space Jam-style, whilst Hurts has never been successful when asked to be a drop-back QB.
Frankly, I have no clue what happens here, but another Eagles loss - coupled with a Dallas win - makes things VERY INTERESTING and very, very dramatic.
Betting tip: Eagles 26 - Chargers 24
Best Bet: Saquon Barkley anytime TD
NFL 2025/26 Super Bowl LX Championship Odds: