December 6, 2025
NFL Week 14 Sunday Afternoon Slate: Deep Dive Into Three Critical Matchups
Published: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sunday’s afternoon features three compelling matchups with major playoff implications. Denver’s nine-game winning streak faces its easiest test yet against Las Vegas, the Rams seek redemption after a shocking upset loss to Carolina, and Chicago and Green Bay battle for NFC North supremacy in brutal Lambeau Field cold.
Denver Broncos (10-2) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
Kickoff: 4:05 PM ET | Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Spread: Broncos -7.5 | Total: 40.5 | Weather: 67°F, sunny, dome
Denver Broncos Analysis
The Broncos have won nine consecutive games despite trailing in every single one—no team since the 1978 Houston Oilers has trailed in their first 12 games and won 10 of them. They’ve captured six victories by three-or-fewer points and could become just the third team in NFL history to achieve seven such wins.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has accumulated 20 regular-season wins since entering the league in 2024, fifth-most through a player’s first two seasons all-time. He completed 29-of-45 passes for 321 yards and a touchdown in Week 13 but managed just 150 yards when these teams met in Week 10.
The defense ranks fifth among teams through 12 games with 51 sacks. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto (10.5 sacks) has registered a sack in four of his past five road games, including 1.5 when these teams met. Denver’s pass rush will feast on a Raiders offensive line that has surrendered nearly 20 sacks in three games since their first meeting.
Rookie RB RJ Harvey totaled 62 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns in Week 13, aiming for his third consecutive road game with 50-plus scrimmage yards and a touchdown. WR Courtland Sutton has scored touchdowns in consecutive road games.
Las Vegas Raiders Analysis
The Raiders’ season has completely unraveled with three straight losses by a combined 103-38. At 2-10 and eliminated from contention, they showed competitiveness in their first Denver meeting, covering as 9.5-point underdogs in a 10-7 loss.
Veteran QB Geno Smith threw touchdown passes in eight of 12 games but has interceptions in nine. He completed 18-of-23 passes (78.3%) for 165 yards and two touchdowns in Week 13, though the team still fell 31-14 to the Chargers.
Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty leads all first-year players with 886 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. He had six catches and 61 scrimmage yards last week and rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown in the first Denver meeting. TE Brock Bowers caught 63 yards and two touchdowns in Week 13, aiming for his fourth straight home game with 55-plus receiving yards.
Defensively, DE Maxx Crosby recorded nine tackles, four TFLs, and two sacks in Week 13, becoming just the fifth player since 2000 with 20-plus TFLs in three-or-more seasons. S Jeremy Chinn led with a career-high 17 tackles and has six-plus tackles in all six home games this season.
Key Trends
Denver Broncos:
- 10-2 straight up, 5-7 ATS (5-4 ATS during 9-game win streak)
- 1-4 ATS as 7.5-point favorites or greater this season
- 8-4 ATS on UNDER (7-3 under run currently)
- Won past three meetings with Raiders after losing previous eight
- Covered as 9.5-point favorites in Week 10 meeting (10-7 win)
Las Vegas Raiders:
- 2-10 straight up, 4-8 ATS (3-8 spread slide)
- 1-2 ATS as 7.5-point underdogs or greater this season
- 7-5 on UNDER (have gone under in 5 of past 7)
- Covered as 9.5-point underdogs in first meeting despite losing 10-7
- 0-6 in last six games (0-5 ATS in last five)
Situational Factors:
- Denver is 20-11 ATS in divisional games since 2020
- Raiders are 2-8 ATS in last 10 home games
- Under has hit in 3 of past 4 meetings (including 10-7 in Week 10)
- Broncos seeking 11th win to match franchise-best 12-game start since 2012
What to Watch
Can the Raiders show any pride in their last meaningful home game? Las Vegas played Denver competitively in Week 10, holding them to 150 passing yards in a 10-7 defensive struggle. However, the Raiders have surrendered 20-plus sacks in three games since.
The under looks sharp. Both teams went under in their Week 10 meeting, and Denver has hit the under in seven of 10 games. The Broncos rank 20th in passing yards per game, and the Raiders’ defense ranks fifth in EPA against the rush. Expect another low-scoring affair with Denver pulling away late.
Los Angeles Rams (9-3) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-9)
Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET | Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Spread: Rams -8.5 | Total: 47.5 | Weather: 73°F, sunny, dome
Los Angeles Rams Analysis
The Rams suffered a shocking 31-28 upset to the 3-9 Panthers in Week 13 despite being 13-point favorites. QB Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions, the team lost the turnover battle 3-0, and the defense allowed Carolina to convert 10-of-18 third and fourth downs.
Despite the setback, the Rams remain 9-3 and control their NFC West destiny. Stafford leads the NFL with 32 touchdown passes this season and is one of just three quarterbacks with a touchdown pass in 12 consecutive games.
WR Davante Adams has been sensational, leading the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns—12 in the red zone. He’s caught touchdowns in six consecutive games (longest active streak) and his 14 scoring receptions through 12 games are the most by a receiver in their first season with a franchise since Randy Moss’ 2007 campaign with New England.
WR Puka Nacua has complemented Adams with 86 receptions (second in NFL) for 1,019 yards (third) and four touchdowns. He had 10 receptions for 129 yards when these teams met in December 2024.
RB Kyren Williams rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 13 and has 70-plus rushing yards in four of his past five games. Defensively, LB Byron Young had eight tackles and a sack last week and has sacks in five of his past six road games.
Arizona Cardinals Analysis
The Cardinals were officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 13 with a 20-17 loss to Tampa Bay, marking the earliest Arizona has been eliminated since 1986—a stark contrast to their 2-0 start.
Veteran QB Jacoby Brissett has been excellent since taking over in Week 6, leading the NFL in passing yards (2,188), completions (204), and ranking tied-fifth in touchdown passes (13) during that span. He passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns in Week 13 and has posted 250-plus passing yards and a touchdown in all seven starts. His 67.5 completion percentage has Arizona averaging 23.1 points per game with him under center.
TE Trey McBride continues rewriting record books. He caught eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in Week 13, extending his streak of games with five-plus receptions to 14 consecutive games—second-longest such streak by a tight end in NFL history (Travis Kelce had 15 in 2018). McBride leads all tight ends with 88 receptions, 879 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. His 309 career receptions are the most by a tight end in their first four seasons in NFL history.
With rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. ruled out, WR Michael Wilson becomes a key target. Wilson has 50 receptions for 570 yards and one touchdown this season and will need to step up alongside McBride as Brissett’s primary options.
LB Josh Sweat recorded two sacks and a forced fumble in Week 13, ranking tied-fourth with 11 sacks this season. S Budda Baker had nine tackles last week and aims for his fourth consecutive home game with eight-plus tackles.
Key Trends
Los Angeles Rams:
- 9-3 straight up, 8-4 ATS (15-5 ATS run over past 20 games)
- 1-1 ATS as 8.5-point favorites or greater this season
- 7-5 on UNDER (5-2 under run)
- 12-4-1 ATS in last 17 games vs. Cardinals
- Won 3 of past 4 meetings (split 2024 season series 1-1)
Arizona Cardinals:
- 3-9 straight up, 6-6 ATS (4-3 ATS with Brissett starting)
- 1-0 ATS as 8.5-point underdogs or greater this season
- 7-5 on OVER
- 1-9 ATS in last 10 games vs. Rams
- 1-5 ATS in last 6 home games
Situational Factors:
- Rams coming off upset loss as 13-point favorites to Panthers
- Cardinals playing second consecutive home game
- Rams seeking to bounce back and maintain pace with Seahawks (9-3) in NFC West
- Arizona eliminated from playoff contention, potential letdown spot
What to Watch
This sets up as a classic bounce-back spot for the Rams after their embarrassing loss to Carolina. However, laying 8.5 points on the road in a divisional game is challenging, especially against a Cardinals team that’s been competitive with Brissett under center (4-3 ATS).
The Rams’ biggest concern is turnover differential. Stafford threw three interceptions against Carolina, and Arizona’s defense has forced takeaways at crucial moments. McBride’s dominance could keep this closer than expected—if he exploits the middle of the field and Brissett continues his efficient play, Arizona should score enough to stay within the number.
The over also looks appealing given Arizona’s 7-5 over/under record and the Rams’ explosive weapons. Expect a Rams victory but Arizona covering the spread.
Chicago Bears (9-3) @ Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET | Venue: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
Spread: Packers -6.5 | Total: 44.5 | Weather: 18°F at kickoff, wind chill near 5°F, mostly sunny
Chicago Bears Analysis
The Bears have risen from 5-12 in 2024 to 9-3 and first place in the NFC North under rookie head coach Ben Johnson. After starting 0-2, Chicago has won nine of their last 10 games, including five straight.
The quality of recent victories is impressive. They rallied past Pittsburgh 31-28 in Week 12, then dominated defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia 24-15 on Friday. Against the Eagles, the Bears never trailed, racking up 425 total yards and 28 first downs while controlling possession for over 39 minutes.
The ground game has been dominant. RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 255 rushing yards against Philadelphia, becoming the first Bears duo with 100-plus yards each since Walter Payton and Matt Suey in 1984. Together, they’ve rushed for 1,365 yards and 10 touchdowns with a 4.9 yards per carry average.
QB Caleb Williams passed for 154 yards and a touchdown in Week 13 and has thrown touchdowns in four of his past five games. The rookie has 2,722 passing yards and 17 touchdowns against just five interceptions.
Chicago’s defense has forced a league-high 26 takeaways (17 interceptions) and generated at least one turnover in 10 of 12 games. S Kevin Byard leads the NFL with six interceptions. DB Nahshon Wright has five interceptions (tied-second in NFL).
The Bears rank sixth in total offense (374.3 yards) and eighth in scoring (26.1 points), but face their stiffest test against a Packers defense ranking eighth against the run (98.3 yards allowed) and fourth in total defense (284.8 yards).
Green Bay Packers Analysis
The Packers have rebounded from consecutive losses to Carolina and Philadelphia by winning three straight, including an impressive 31-24 victory at Detroit on Thanksgiving. At 8-3-1, they sit just a half-game behind Chicago, and a victory would vault them into first place.
QB Jordan Love threw for 234 yards and tied a career-high with four touchdowns on Thanksgiving, posting a 124.2 rating. He ranks tied-seventh with 19 touchdown passes and has gone four consecutive games without an interception.
RB Josh Jacobs rushed for 83 yards in Week 13 and has 90-plus scrimmage yards in three of his past four games. He has rushed for touchdowns in four of his past five games against the Bears and aims for his seventh consecutive season with 1,000-plus scrimmage yards (currently at 976).
WR Dontayvion Wicks led the team with six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns on Thanksgiving. WR Christian Watson added 80 receiving yards and a touchdown, bringing him to 2,016 career receiving yards.
The Packers’ defense will be tested by Chicago’s elite rushing attack. Edge rusher Micah Parsons recorded 2.5 sacks and three TFLs against the Lions, marking his 18th career game with two-plus sacks—fourth-most such games in a player’s first five seasons since 1982. Parsons has 65 career sacks, fifth-most in a player’s first five seasons.
Green Bay holds a significant historical advantage, winning 28 of the last 32 meetings and nine of the last 10, though Chicago won the last meeting 24-22 at Lambeau in January.
Key Trends
Chicago Bears:
- 9-3 straight up, 8-4 ATS (9-1 SU, 8-2 ATS in last 10 games)
- 1-1 ATS as 6.5-point underdogs or greater this season
- 6-6 on totals (6-5 on OVER)
- 5-1 ATS in last 6 road games
- Won last meeting 24-22 at Lambeau (1/5/25) as 10.5-point underdogs
Green Bay Packers:
- 8-3-1 straight up, 5-7 ATS (3-7 ATS in last 10 games)
- 9-1 SU vs. Bears in last 10 meetings (only loss came in Week 18, 2024)
- Won 28 of last 32 meetings overall
- Total has gone UNDER in 3 of last 4 meetings
- 107-95-6 all-time series lead
Situational Factors:
- Lambeau Field kickoff temperature: 18°F, wind chill near 5°F
- By end of game, temperatures expected in single digits
- No snow, rain, or significant wind forecasted (light 5-10 mph winds)
- Both teams coming off victories on short rest (Bears on Friday, Packers on Thursday)
- First-place showdown with major playoff seeding implications
What to Watch
This is the marquee game of Week 14. First place in the NFC North and a critical tiebreaker are on the line, with these teams meeting again in Week 18.
The weather will be significant but manageable. The 18-degree kickoff temperature and wind chill near 5 degrees sound brutal, but the forecast calls for mostly sunny conditions with light winds (5-10 mph) and no precipitation. Both offenses should function, though the cold may affect ball handling.
Chicago’s offensive line ranks first in pass block win rate, giving them an advantage over Detroit’s depleted protection that struggled against Green Bay on Thanksgiving. If the Bears can keep Williams clean, they have weapons to move the ball when Green Bay loads the box.
The Bears’ elite run defense will face Josh Jacobs, who has been excellent against them historically. This matchup could determine the game—if Jacobs gets going early, it opens up play-action for Love.
Ben Johnson’s NFC North familiarity from coordinating Detroit’s offense is a major advantage. He knows Green Bay’s defensive tendencies. The Bears proved against Philadelphia they can execute in hostile environments against elite competition.
The spread moved from -5.5 to -6.5 with sharp money on Green Bay. However, Chicago’s 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 games and 5-1 ATS mark in their last six road games suggests they consistently exceed expectations.
Expect a close, defensive battle. The under looks appealing given the cold weather, strong defenses, and trends (under hit in 3 of last 4 meetings).
Final Thoughts
Sunday’s afternoon slate offers three distinct narratives: Denver’s quest for an 11th consecutive improbable victory, Los Angeles seeking redemption after an embarrassing loss, and a first-place showdown in the frozen tundra that could define the NFC North race. These games will significantly clarify the playoff picture heading into the final four weeks.
Links:
Pro Football Reference – 2025 Season Stats
RotoGrinders NFL Weather Report
Week 14 Game Previews