5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 14

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 22: Chase Claypool #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 06: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Tua Tagovailoa tries to match Patrick Mahomes

Tagovailoa only took over as the Dolphins’ starter midseason, but his 4-1 record as a starter is a big reason why Miami finds themselves in playoff position at the moment. They shouldn’t feel completely secure about their postseason chances though. The Dolphins face a very tough schedule down the stretch.

That gauntlet starts with a home game against the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon. Inevitably, Tagovailoa is going to be compared to Patrick Mahomes during the buildup for this matchup. That’s completely unfair, but it’s the nature of the NFL media.

That could put Tua into a position where he feels the need to try to match Mahomes throw-for-throw on the field. That’s only going to end in defeat for the Dolphins. The Miami coaching staff needs to do everything they can to insulate Tagovailoa from that kind of pressure.

That means the Dolphins need to focus on running the ball early and often against the Chiefs defense. Keeping the ball out of Mahomes’ hands must be a priority. Ironically, keeping the ball out of Tagovailoa’s hands might be Miami’s second-biggest need. He’s not ready to go toe-to-toe with Mahomes.

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