Mandy
The NFL’s Week 14 games delivered major movement in the playoff picture, especially as several teams remain tightly grouped at the top of their divisions and conferences.
With every December matchup carrying postseason weight, the landscape shifted dramatically again.
The Lions’ win over the Cowboys on Thursday helped Detroit stay alive in the NFC wild-card race, while Dallas’ chances were slashed significantly, with the Cowboys’ playoff odds dropping by more than half, according to ESPN’s FPI.
Sunday brought even bigger swings, especially in showdowns between teams still fighting for postseason spots.
With the Chargers and Eagles yet to play on Monday and several contenders on a bye week, four key games shaped the standings — beginning with the Colts’ devastating collapse in Jacksonville.
Colts’ Season Unravels After Daniel Jones Suffers Major Injury
The Indianapolis Colts saw their playoff hopes for 2025 and possibly 2026 take a massive hit in Jacksonville.
Not only did they lose an important division game, but they also watched quarterback Daniel Jones go down with a torn Achilles, abruptly ending his season after 13 games.
A Season Spiraling Downward
The Colts had already fallen out of first place in the AFC after losing three of their past four games.
Their once-dominant offense cooled off, and newly acquired cornerback Sauce Gardner — for whom Indy traded two first-round picks — was sidelined with a calf injury.
While fears of an Achilles tear for Gardner were relieved last week, the Colts were not as fortunate with Jones.
Daniel Jones’ Injury Complicates Colts’ Long-Term QB Plans
Jones was already playing through a fractured fibula when the Achilles injury struck. His history of ACL and neck issues means the Colts now face another offseason filled with quarterback uncertainty.
The organization expected to retain Jones for 2026, either through a $46.1 million franchise tag or a long-term contract. Now those scenarios appear far more complicated.
Would Indianapolis commit massive money to a quarterback who may not be fully healthy for the start of 2026?
And if the Colts offer a reduced deal, could Jones test free agency and pursue opportunities with QB-needy teams like the Vikings?
Riley Leonard Takes Over, But Offense Faces Steep Decline
With backup Anthony Richardson Sr. on injured reserve due to a fractured orbital bone, undrafted rookie Riley Leonard stepped in.
Leonard completed 18-of-29 passes for 145 yards with one interception, along with a short rushing touchdown.
However, he struggled with pressure, nearly threw multiple picks, and was sacked in the end zone for a safety.
Even a limited Daniel Jones would have provided more stability. Richardson, still not cleared for football activities, had also been one of the least effective passers in league history during his first two seasons.
Few Options to Replace Jones
With the trade deadline passed, the Colts have few realistic quarterback options. Possible veteran additions include Trevor Siemian or Mike White, though neither has ties to coach Shane Steichen.
A more intriguing possibility is Russell Wilson, currently the Giants’ third-string quarterback. If released, he could be a short-term bandage for Indianapolis.
Colts Lean On Jonathan Taylor, But Jaguars Dominate
The Colts attempted to shift their offensive focus to Jonathan Taylor, but Jacksonville’s defense repeatedly shut them down.
Taylor finished with 74 yards on 21 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt. A costly fumble after Jones’ injury put the Jags up 21–7, and the game spiraled from there.
Trevor Lawrence Delivers His Best Performance Of The Season
The Jaguars didn’t just capitalize on facing a third-string quarterback — they controlled the game in all phases.
Trevor Lawrence finished 17-of-30 for 244 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for three first downs. His 82.8 Total QBR was his best in more than a year.
Against heavy man coverage from the Colts, Lawrence went 8-of-15 for 168 yards and a score. His standout play came on a 26-yard strike to Tim Patrick after evading a blitz.
Jags’ Defense Is Back Creating Turnovers
After struggling to force takeaways over the past month, Jacksonville’s defense has rediscovered its aggressive identity.
They produced three turnovers against the Colts, following two last week. With upcoming matchups against the Jets, Broncos, Colts, and Titans, the Jaguars are poised to keep the pressure on.
Sitting at 9–4, Jacksonville leads the AFC South, slightly ahead of the Texans despite splitting their head-to-head.
With both teams facing similar closing schedules, this race may come down to deep tiebreakers.
Colts’ Playoff Hopes Fading Fast
The Colts are now long shots to reach the postseason. Riley Leonard’s first official start will come against Seattle, whose defense recently overwhelmed another undrafted third-stringer.
After facing the 49ers, Indy closes the season against the Jags and Texans.
From an 8–2 start, the team now risks missing the playoffs entirely and potentially finishing without a winning record.
Injuries to both Jones and Gardner, combined with the heavy draft cost to acquire Gardner, make this collapse even more painful.
Week 14 dramatically reshaped the NFL playoff landscape, but no team suffered more than the Colts, who now face a grim late-season stretch and a complicated future at quarterback after Daniel Jones’ devastating Achilles injury.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars strengthened their grip on the AFC South with their most complete performance of the season.
As December unfolds, the stakes continue to rise, and the playoff picture remains highly fluid across both conferences.
FAQs
How did Daniel Jones’ injury affect the Colts’ playoff chances?
The torn Achilles ended Jones’ season and left the Colts with limited QB options, severely hurting their postseason hopes.
Why are the Jaguars favored to win the AFC South?
At 9–4, Jacksonville holds a slight lead over the Texans and has regained momentum on both offense and defense.
Can Riley Leonard keep the Colts competitive?
Leonard shows potential but lacks experience. Without strong QB play, Indianapolis faces an uphill battle in its remaining games.