After the Colts' stunningly hot start with reclamation project QB Daniel Jones leading the way, they became a trendy Super Bowl pick. That has subsided in the past four weeks with losses to the Steelers, Chiefs, and Texans, plus barely squeaking by the Falcons in overtime.

The Commanders have lost seven straight games. In Week 13, they fought the good fight against the high-flying Broncos. The game went to overtime. With 2:47 remaining, a Terry McLaurin TD catch from Marcus Mariota brought them within 1 point. The attempted 2-point conversion to tie the game failed. It was the Commanders' second straight OT loss.

After the Dolphins' Week 9 dismantling at the Ravens' hands, 28-6, falling to 2-7, they fired general manager Chris Grier. They retained embattled head coach Mike McDaniel at least for the remainder of the season.

The Seahawks and Falcons face off in an NFC clash this week. Seattle is in the midst of a hyper competitive 3-way division battle, while Atlanta has fallen apart over the last month and change.

The Cowboys and Lions meet in a classic NFC clash on Thursday night. Both teams are currently sitting right outside a competitive playoff picture, needing to keep winning to stay in contention.

The Bills lost a tough battle in Week 12 with the Texans, 23-19. They now sit 2.5 games behind the surprising Patriots. They have already lost to New England this season. The Bills' remaining schedule is mediocre, but after suffering upset losses to the Falcons and Dolphins, nothing is guaranteed.

The speculation as to whether the Vikings would bench struggling QB J.J. McCarthy was quieted for the moment when he suffered a concussion. Max Brosmer will start against the Seahawks.

With Kyler Murray still out with a foot sprain and head coach Jonathan Gannon having posted a 15-30 record so far in his head coaching career, the likelihood is that there will be a new QB/coach combo in Arizona next season.

The Texans were in trouble after three weeks, having lost to the Rams, Buccaneers, and Jaguars. Since then, they have gone 6-2. Admittedly, two of the wins were over the atrocious Titans. But they also beat the Ravens and Bills. Given their hard-hitting defense, they are a threat in the playoffs, if they get there.

It will be irresistibly tempting for the Jaguars to look beyond the woeful Titans to their Week 14 matchup with the 1st place Colts in Jacksonville. But they need to focus on Tennessee. If they win, the game with Indianapolis is guaranteed to have 1st place in the division on the line.

The Broncos and Commanders meet on Sunday Night Football in a battle of two teams headed in entirely opposite directions. Washington will be aiming to snap both streaks at home this week.

The Raiders and Chargers meet this week in a divisional clash. Both are looking to bounce back from very poor losses. Los Angeles has an advantage at home and well-rested for this matchup.