5 NFL teams that must win in Week 14

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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The playoffs are fast approaching and several teams are on the brink of earning a playoff berth. Which five teams need a win the most in Week 14?

There are multiple teams that can punch their ticket to the playoffs with a win this weekend while others desperately need a win to keep their hopes alive. First, let’s take a look at last week’s picks.

The five teams from last week went 4-1, with only the Carolina Panthers crashing and burning. The New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers all picked up big wins. With Carolina’s loss, they took a huge stumble down the NFC standings. The others? They all took another step towards contending in the new year.

Let’s kick things off with the NFC North leader.

5. Chicago Bears

Last week the Bears dropped the ball a bit and lost to the hapless New York Giants. Anyone bet on that one? Didn’t think so. Had they won, and all the other results held, Chicago could have been in position to clinch a playoff berth this week. With the loss, they remain one week from clinching the division title.

Nonetheless, a win over the Rams this week would do much more than inch them closer to the playoffs. Forgetting playoff seeding, (the Bears are almost a lock) beating the Rams would be a huge statement for this Bears team. With legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, the Bears would benefit significantly from proving that they can beat the best team in the NFC.

With quarterback Mitchell Trubisky set to return, this game could be a sneak peek at a potential NFC Championship game. Do the Bears have what it takes to defeat Sean McVay’s stacked Rams team? Sunday will be huge for the Bears, in victory or defeat.