Week 14 of the NFL season delivered close finishes, critical playoff implications, and a deepening race for the league’s top draft pick.  The Kansas City Chiefs maintained their grip on the AFC. At the same time, the Minnesota Vikings continued their unexpected surge, and the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders edged closer to securing the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here's what stood out in Week 14’s NFL Futures.

The Minnesota Vikings continue their remarkable season with a 42-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sam Darnold’s five-touchdown performance secured the Vikings’ 11th win and thrust him into the MVP conversation.  For bettors tracking NFL Futures, Darnold’s recent form makes the Vikings a team to watch as the postseason approaches.

The Kansas City Chiefs clinched their ninth consecutive AFC West title with a close 19-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.  A last-second 31-yard field goal by Matthew Wright sealed the win for the Chiefs, solidifying their dominance in the division and maintaining their position atop the AFC standings at 12-1. For bettors eyeing NFL Futures, Kansas City’s resilience in close games makes them a top contender for another Super Bowl run.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered a significant fracture in his left hand during the team’s Week 14 win against the New York Giants, leaving his availability for the remainder of the season in doubt.  With only four games remaining, Carr is also in the concussion protocol, making his status a week-to-week concern, as confirmed by interim head coach Darren Rizzi. The Saints’ playoff hopes and place in NFL Futures markets could shift significantly as the team navigates another quarterback change.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense has suffered a significant setback with the announcement that All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will miss multiple games due to a right knee sprain. Head coach Todd Bowles confirmed the news following Tampa Bay's 28-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. This development could impact the team’s position in the NFC South standings and shake up NFL Futures for playoff contenders in the division.