NFL Week 14 buzz: What we’re hearing on Bryce Young, Shedeur Sanders and tight division races

We’re moving into Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season. Insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been reaching out to sources across the league for the latest updates and insights on critical situations — including some tidbits that could influence fantasy football.

This week, they bring fresh information on two quarterbacks — Carolina’s Bryce Young and Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders. Young is set to be eligible for an extension this offseason, and the Panthers have a choice to make regarding his fifth-year option. Has he returned to form enough from being benched in 2024 to warrant a new contract with Carolina? And what insights are being shared within the league about Sanders, now that the 2025 fifth-round pick has started two games?

But first, we have the current buzz surrounding the NFL regarding tight division races and significant injuries. Which divisions might come down to the final moments? And which injuries could impact those battles? It’s all covered here, as our national reporters tackle major questions and share insights heading into Week 14.

Jump to:
Tight division races | Key injury updates
Young’s next deal | Sanders’ future

Which division race is creating the most excitement across the league?

Graziano: Does anyone really want to claim the AFC North? The Steelers had a strong start but have dropped five of their last seven, landing at 6-6. The Ravens surged with five consecutive victories to recover from a rough start, reaching 6-5, but they fell to the Bengals last week and are now tied with the Steelers at the top. Meanwhile, the Bengals, bolstered by Joe Burrow’s return from injury, sit at 4-8 and are only two games behind the leaders with a matchup against the Ravens still ahead.

The Steelers and Ravens have two remaining games against each other, starting with this Sunday’s clash in Baltimore, and those head-to-head encounters could determine the winner, although it’s also possible they might not settle the matter. Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh have underperformed lately, leaving some to speculate whether the Bengals might seize the division with a strong finish. The prevailing thought seems to be that the Bengals would find their chances considerably brighter if they had managed to maintain a lead in their fourth quarters against the Jets and Bears.

That is a fair point, but in an AFC North where no team currently boasts a winning record, people are still questioning whether it’s feasible to clinch the division with nine or even eight wins.

Fowler: The pressure is equally intense in the AFC South, one of the two divisions featuring three teams with seven or more wins (the NFC West being the other). The situation is particularly tough in Indianapolis, coming off consecutive losses while facing a demanding final stretch. The Colts’ remaining schedule includes two matchups against Jacksonville, which, at 8-4, is tied with the Colts but holds the tiebreaker due to common opponent records — their opponents collectively hold a record of 33-15.

Initially, the Colts were eager for this challenging run, which kicked off with a Week 12 defeat to the Chiefs, believing such games would test their ability in January football. Their performance over the upcoming month will be keenly observed by many within the league. The Colts have lost three of their last four games, their quarterback Daniel Jones is visibly hindered, and cornerback Sauce Gardner is likely sidelined for several weeks with a calf injury. On the other hand, Jacksonville continues to secure wins without a potent passing game, while Houston’s defense competes with any offense. All these factors add layers of intrigue to what is usually an overlooked division.

Earlier this season culminated in a last-second field goal attempt. The rematch is set for Week 16 in Seattle and could determine the division champion, as both the Rams and Seahawks currently stand at 9-3. Meanwhile, the injury-plagued 49ers somehow rest a half-game back at 9-4 as they head into their bye week.

This race features an exciting three-way competition that could still turn in San Francisco’s favor if the Rams and Seahawks falter even slightly. The Niners have had the advantage of a relatively easy schedule, and they emerge from the bye week facing a Week 15 contest against the struggling Titans. However, they finish their season with games against the Colts, Bears, and Seahawks, all of whom are currently vying for first place in their respective divisions. The Rams still have two games against the 3-9 Cardinals and a trip to Atlanta ahead of them, yet their most formidable game outside of Seattle occurs at home against the Lions in Week 15. The Seahawks will be on the road against Atlanta, Carolina, and San Francisco, alongside home games against the Colts and Rams.

Fowler: All three of these NFC West teams present challenges if they secure playoff spots, Dan. I’m also keeping an eye on the NFC South, where Tampa Bay has been the dominant force for the last four seasons. However, the Panthers are merely a half-game behind and are finding ways to achieve surprises. Panthers coach Dave Canales will face off against his former boss, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles, twice — in Weeks 16 and 18. Meanwhile, Bowles’ squad is finally regaining health, boasting a 7-2 record in December over the past two seasons.

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Which injury has the most significant ramifications for the playoff race, and what insights do you have on the aftermath?

Fowler: We touched on Jones earlier, who is playing through a fibula injury. However, he is clearly not operating at full capacity, and coaches that I’ve spoken with – having prepared for or observed the Colts closely – indicate that his mobility seems compromised. Based on my inquiries, it’s an injury he can manage during games. In essence, I doubt a few weeks of rest would significantly improve the situation. Jones is particularly tough and determined, wanting to persevere. But the Colts find themselves in a precarious position and will need him at his peak to succeed. Their scoring average has dropped by 12 points per game since Week 9. A standout performance from Jonathan Taylor could alleviate some pressure on Jones… and his leg.

Graziano: I spoke with several individuals in Houston after the Texans-Colts clash on Sunday who expressed that they felt Jones couldn’t move effectively. He managed to make some downfield passes when the pocket remained intact, yet his mobility appears to be severely limited, contributing to a constrained offensive performance. Personally, I believe the Colts’ most significant injury impact came from the absence of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, as their challenges in shutting down the Texans’ mediocre run game on Sunday suggest his injury is still having repercussions.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown may still be in contention to play Thursday against the Cowboys but has not practiced this week. The ankle sprain he suffered on Thanksgiving could prevent him from participating in what is essentially a must-win game. Detroit is already missing tight end Sam LaPorta and likely can’t afford to be without St. Brown in a game where they will need to score to match up with the Cowboys.

Also, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert underwent surgery on Monday to fix a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand. He has stated his intention to play Monday night against the Eagles, but we’ll see how much practice he can participate in leading up to that game (if at all) and whether it impacts his performance if he does take the field. The Chargers find themselves entrenched in a challenging, competitive AFC wild-card race, trailing the Broncos by two games in the AFC West.

Fowler: The Patriots are dealing with injuries affecting two crucial players — defensive tackle Milton Williams (high ankle sprain) and rookie left tackle Will Campbell (knee sprain) — that are significant. Williams has validated his substantial free agent contract through commendable performances, while Campbell has fiercely protected Drake Maye’s blind side. Both should return before playoffs, yet how New England copes in their absence will be closely monitored.

This also presents a significant opportunity for Vederian Lowe, Campbell’s stand-in and a 2026 free agent. Capable swing tackles earn lucrative contracts, putting financial stakes on the line for Lowe. Things fared well Monday night, as Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.

Graziano: I honestly thought those Patriots’ injuries would impact them more Monday night than they did. Kudos to them for performing well in spite of them, and I suppose it’s disappointing for the Giants not to be competent enough to take advantage of that. The Patriots have a bye week ahead, and maybe they return from the break in better health (though Campbell is on IR and must be sidelined for at least three additional games).

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Is there a chance the Panthers could extend Bryce Young this offseason?

Graziano: I covered the Panthers over the weekend and spoke to several individuals within the organization regarding Young. From what I can gather, there’s still a belief in his capabilities. They’ve employed 10 different offensive line combinations this season and feature a young receiving corps, indicating the organization thinks the inconsistencies can’t be solely attributed to the quarterback. Young performed admirably Sunday against the Rams but was far less impressive against the 49ers the previous Monday. Just before that, he set a franchise record for passing yards in a single game during a win against the Falcons.

It’s challenging to ascertain the long-term perspective when the performances fluctuate so drastically week by week. The Panthers must decide by the beginning of May whether to activate his fifth-year option for 2027. I anticipate they will do so, as the cost will be manageable (approximately $26.5 million), but that raises the question of what to do after that.

Fowler: This seems to be a classic example of a wait-and-see scenario. Despite showing potential, Young has not yet progressed beyond being viewed as a mid-tier starting quarterback. The Panthers have likely exceeded expectations this season and have quietly anticipated 2026 to be their true breakthrough year. Whether they want to commit significant resources to an extension for Young during this crucial offseason is still uncertain. Exercising his fifth-year option and having him play part of his fourth season on his rookie contract remains a logical decision.

However, Young has two significant advantages. He’s showing a knack for clutch performances, orchestrating four fourth-quarter comebacks and achieving five game-winning drives this season. He’s also displaying accuracy on passes that stretch to intermediate and deep distances, completing 30 passes of over 20 yards. Thus, he’s giving the front office important considerations. If the Panthers decide to engage, what’s the ideal range for his market, Dan? Eleven quarterbacks are currently making at least $50 million annually.

Graziano: So, if Young is inclined towards an extension in the 2026 offseason, I think he would expect it to be financially rewarding enough to be worthwhile. If the Panthers activate the fifth-year option, they would retain him for two years at approximately $33 million, making it tempting for him to entertain a below-market contract for improvement over that figure. A short-term bridge deal, similar to what the Packers negotiated with Jordan Love post-Year 3 (when he barely played due to Aaron Rodgers being ahead of him), might make sense. However, I don’t see any incentive for Young to accept an extension in the next spring or summer that averages below $50 million per year.

The Jaguars gave Trevor Lawrence an extension of $55 million per year after Year 3, and the questions about his long-term viability persist. Teams often make unpredictable decisions regarding quarterbacks due to the fear of needing to find one. Unless the Panthers are willing to offer Young top-tier quarterback market value, he could opt to bank on himself, trusting the team will be motivated to enhance the support around him. That way, he could play through the 2026 season and position himself for negotiation of a more substantial contract afterward, when the Panthers would only hold him for one more year, which would shift leverage in Young’s favor.

Fowler: Teams are only as strong as their quarterback options, and Young is undoubtedly the best the Panthers have. He also appears to have developed a solid relationship and chemistry with Canales and his team. Yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if teams reconsider their approach to compensating quarterbacks, exercising some restraint. If you lack a genuinely elite top-10 athlete, why spend exorbitant market rates so early? It’s a straightforward decision if you have a Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, or Joe Burrow in your ranks. However, Miami (Tua Tagovailoa) and Arizona (Kyler Murray) are among teams burdened by oversized guarantees for decent, but not exceptional, quarterbacks.

The crux of the matter is that there’s no immediate urgency unless both sides can agree on concessions conducive to their objectives. I believe Houston might be more inclined to compensate Young’s college teammate, C.J. Stroud, sooner. He possesses higher-end quarterbacking attributes.

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What are others discussing around the league regarding Shedeur Sanders following two starts?

Fowler: The people I’ve interacted with see a quarterback willing to remain in the pocket to let plays unfold, showing acceptable arm strength. However, they also acknowledge he needs more development.

«There were numerous screens and bootlegs [against San Francisco on Sunday],» noted one NFL talent evaluator who reviewed the game. «It’s apparent they’re trying to shield him, which is a prudent strategy for nearly all rookie quarterbacks. Overall, I thought he seemed quite at ease in the pocket. He simply requires time.»

The Browns believed entering Sanders’ Week 12 debut that he could keep turnovers to a minimum, which he has, recording only one interception in two starts. He had significant struggles with sacks during his college career, something the Browns anticipated would be a concern. Thus, taking only four sacks in two starts is a reasonable achievement. What are your thoughts on Sanders, Dan?

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Graziano: To me, and to the majority I’ve consulted, Sanders presents as a rookie quarterback. He’s made some plays and throws that Dillon Gabriel struggled with. Sanders has also made some errors, a few of which (like evading the pocket incorrectly) align with pre-existing concerns. I see no reason why the Browns shouldn’t continue to start him because the remainder of their season seems focused on discerning their quarterback situation for offseason adjustments. They possess two first-round picks to address this need if they choose. Sanders captured his first victory, which is significant for this Browns team. The fans are engaged. He has potential. Let it unfold and see what manifests.

Fowler: The Browns must ascertain if their prospective starting quarterback for 2026 is already on their roster. The evidence accumulated over 12 games suggests it’s unlikely, yet Sanders has an ample opportunity to provide the team with food for thought. My impression is that he’ll receive the chance to play out the remainder of the season to do just that. Gabriel is an adept decision-maker whose experience surfaced in his six starts, but he appears more suited as a reliable backup. Coaches I’ve consulted believe Gabriel is slightly ahead in his development compared to Sanders, who possesses superior arm strength and physical stature. With two first-round picks (including one currently in the top five), the Browns are in an excellent position to secure their future quarterback while having the option to supplement him with either a veteran bridge player or an alternative to Gabriel/Sanders.

Graziano: Ultimately, Cleveland has the chance to conclude this season with a clearer idea of whether Gabriel or Sanders could become a sound backup or if one is a project they’re prepared to continue developing. The best-case scenario sees Sanders thrive, allowing the Browns to enter the offseason with the belief that he can be their long-term answer. While that seems uncertain at this moment, there’s no downside to exploring the possibilities. Sanders has garnered significant attention from both ends of the spectrum, yet I maintain that he’s a fifth-round rookie on a struggling team in search of a quarterback solution for three decades. The Browns would be foolish not to investigate every avenue, and I believe that’s their approach.