NFL Week 14 takeaways – What we learned, big questions for every game and future team outlooks

Week 14 of the 2021 NFL season featured some massive blowouts in the early window, including a 48-9 victory for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs over the Raiders. The Seahawks’ offense got a spark from running back Rashaad Penny and dropped 33 points on the Texans, while the Titans got an important victory in their bid for the AFC’s top seed, shutting out the Jaguars at home. The Saints also beat the Jets by three touchdowns on the road.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered an ankle injury, as Baltimore lost to Cleveland despite a late push. Dallas’ defense made big plays to help it narrowly beat Washington and bring a division title a little closer, and the Falcons beat the Panthers, who used both Cam Newton and P.J. Walker at quarterback.

And on Thursday night, a game that once seemed like a blowout became a lot closer late in the fourth quarter — but the Vikings ultimately held on to beat the Steelers and keep their playoff hopes alive.

In the late games, the Chargers handled the Giants to set up a Thursday night showdown with the Chiefs. The Broncos, emotional after the death of former wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, beat the Lions. Both the 49ers and Buccaneers won in overtime to stay in the thick of the playoff race.

Our NFL Nation reporters react with the takeaways and lingering questions. Plus, they each look at the bigger picture with their current team confidence rating — a 0-10 grade of how they feel about a team’s outlook coming out of the week. Let’s get to it.

Jump to a matchup:
CHI-GB | BAL-CLE | DAL-WSH | LV-KC
JAX-TEN | ATL-CAR | NO-NYJ
SEA-HOU | PIT-MIN | BUF-TB
SF-CIN | DET-DEN | NYG-LAC

Packers

What to know: The Packers have a problem with the special teams. It didn’t cost them on Sunday against Chicago, but if they don’t get it fixed, it might end up being the downfall of their season. By itself, Jakeem Grant’s 97-yard punt return for a Bears touchdown was bad enough. Before that, Grant had a 42-yard punt return and