Week 14 belonging 2025 NFL season began with an offensive shootout between the Cowboys and Lions. Detroit finished Thursday night in first place, leading with three running back touchdowns. Jamir Gibbs.
The Vikings supplanted the Commanders at quarterback early Sunday. JJ McCarthyreturn from shake. Washington Quarterback Jayden Daniels was also recovering from an injury (dislocated elbow), but left the game in the third quarter.
Our NFL Nation reporters have been responding to all the action, answering questions about every game and breaking down everything you need to know about each team. Let's get to it.
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Vikings
How good was this win really? On the one hand, it was one of the most convincing victories in Vikings history, representing their largest margin of victory in a shutout since 1980 and their fifth-largest margin of victory in any game. He appeared in front of a subdued home crowd who looked more surprised than excited and ended a four-game losing streak. Perhaps most importantly, the Vikings snapped a terrible streak of 22 possessions without scoring a touchdown. They also got a quarterback. JJ McCarthy the “right” play after a rocky start to his NFL career. On the other hand, the Vikings entered the game with less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs. Defeat would completely destroy them. As frustrating as it may sound to many fans, each future win only lowers their ranking in the 2026 draft.
What to do with QB performance: It was the best game of McCarthy's career. He returned from a one-game absence with a concussion and completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, all of which ended in tight ends. McCarthy was accurate, played with poise and benefited from a Commander defense that largely refused to attack him. In games in which the Commanders ran a standard four-man passing game, McCarthy was 11 of 14 for 106 yards and two touchdowns. — Kevin Seifert
Next game: at Cowboys (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Commanders
What's up with the quarterback now? Jayden Daniels? It was a lost season for Daniels, who was knocked out with injuries in each of his last three matches. Heaviness Sunday injury unknown, but he had to fight to stay healthy. Washington wanted his play to help his development—and the offense as a whole. But at some point, commanders will have to consider simply pulling the plug on him, especially if he re-injures his left elbow. Daniels will need to prove he can be durable if the Commanders want to regain the momentum they had after the 2024 season.
Biggest hole in the game plan: The Commanders' pass coverage was atrocious and allowed McCarthy to gain momentum early. The Vikings' quarterback had more trouble covering players, but faced a tough zone from the Commanders – largely due to the need to not have enough good corner players. This allowed for plenty of open targets, especially since Washington's passing game couldn't threaten him. They allowed three touchdown passes to McCarthy and a 98-yard touchdown pass. — John Keim
Next game: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
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Lions
How can the Lions finish the regular season strong? Once again, the Lions got down to business after their Lost Thanksgiving in Green Bay. Detroit had now won 15 straight games after the loss, but Dallas still scored three points in the fourth quarter before Detroit pulled away with its strong rushing attack. Running backs David Montgomery And Jamir Gibbs That's a total of four rushing touchdowns, and success on the ground could be a big key in this final stretch.
Statistics you need to know: Gibbs scored 47 career touchdowns, tying Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns in a player's first three seasons in the NFL. Gibbs scored a hat trick against Dallas. He now has three games this season with three touchdowns, the most by a Lions player since Cloyce Box in 1952, according to ESPN Research. — Eric Woodyard
Next game: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Cowboys
Has the defense returned to pre-bye week form? Giving up four rushing touchdowns wasn't the best start, but 54 of the Lions' 109 yards came over two plays. They fired Jared Goff only once after making eight sacks in a three-game winning streak. They also gave up just two rushes of 10 yards or more in that winning streak; The Lions matched it. They also allowed nine passes of 20 yards or more; the Lions had five. “We gave up too much explosiveness,” coach Brian Schottenheimer said. What could help the Cowboys in the next game is Minnesota's stacked offense.
Statistics you need to know: The Lions had only four sacks in their previous four games but won. Dak Prescott five times. He was pressured 20 times, including 10 times in the fourth quarter. It was the third-highest pressure Prescott has faced in his career and the second time he has been pressured at least 20 times this season (21 times against the Giants in Week 2). — Todd Archer
Next game: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
