Jalen Hurts Costing Eagles a Super Bowl?

Week 14 in the NFL delivered thrilling moments, particularly with the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills producing a 44-42 classic, potentially the Game of the Year. While Josh Allen staked his claim for MVP despite the loss, the Rams kept their playoff hopes alive in the competitive NFC West. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a playoff berth, but lingering questions remain about their postseason readiness. Let’s dive into the top overreactions from Week 14 and see which ones hold weight.

1. Jalen Hurts Will Cost the Eagles a Super Bowl

Overreaction or Reality: Overreaction

Jalen Hurts‘ recent inconsistency in the passing game has raised concerns, especially as the Eagles enter the postseason. Over the last two games, Hurts has thrown for just 226 yards, but he also boasts three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a passer rating of 110.8 in Sunday’s win over the Panthers.

While the passing game is an area to watch, Hurts’ ability to protect the football is a major asset. With only two turnovers in his last nine games, the Eagles remain a top contender. Hurts must improve his precision and decision-making, but his dual-threat capabilities continue to make Philadelphia a formidable opponent.

2. Josh Allen is the League MVP Right Now

Overreaction or Reality: Reality

Josh Allen‘s performance against the Rams was historic. He became the first player since Otto Graham in 1954 to record three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game. Allen accounted for 424 of the Bills’ 445 total yards and all six touchdowns.

Despite the Bills’ loss, Allen’s stats are undeniable:

• 33 total touchdowns (23 passing, 9 rushing, 1 receiving)
• 3,449 combined yards
• Leading Buffalo to a 10-3 record

With tight end Dalton Kincaid and top wideout Keon Coleman sidelined, Allen has elevated his team into Super Bowl contention. While other players like Saquon Barkley could challenge for MVP, Allen’s case is rock solid heading into the final stretch.

3. Sam Darnold is a Top-10 Quarterback This Year

Overreaction or Reality: Reality

Sam Darnold delivered a career-best performance for the Vikings in their win over the Falcons, throwing for 347 yards, five touchdowns, and earning a franchise-record 157.9 passer rating. Over his last four games, Darnold has thrown 2+ touchdowns with zero interceptions, helping Minnesota to an 11-2 record.

Statistically, Darnold ranks among the NFL’s elite this season:

• 4th in passing yards (3,299)
• 3rd in passer rating (108.1)
• 3rd in touchdown passes (28)

Darnold’s resurgence is a key reason the Vikings are legitimate playoff contenders and reinforces his place among the NFL’s top quarterbacks in 2023.

4. Vikings Are a Bigger Threat to the Lions Than the Eagles

Overreaction or Reality: Overreaction

The Vikings and Eagles share an 11-2 record, but Detroit’s control of the NFC North gives the Lions the edge. Minnesota would need Detroit to lose at least one game before their Week 18 rematch to have a shot at overtaking them.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, holds the strength-of-victory tiebreaker over Minnesota, positioning them as the more significant threat to Detroit’s No. 1 seed hopes. Ultimately, the Lions’ destiny is in their own hands, but the Eagles pose a bigger challenge than the Vikings.

5. Chiefs Locked Up Home-Field Advantage With Bills’ Loss

Overreaction or Reality: Overreaction

The Kansas City Chiefs‘ win over the Chargers put them in a commanding position, but Buffalo’s hopes for home-field advantage are not completely dashed.

The Chiefs have a favorable schedule ahead (Browns, Steelers, Texans, Broncos), but the Bills, who face the Lions, Patriots, and Jets, could still finish with 13 wins. Should Kansas City stumble down the stretch, Buffalo remains a threat. The race for the AFC’s top spot is far from over.

Key Takeaways from Week 14

• Jalen Hurts needs to fine-tune the Eagles’ passing game, but his low turnover rate keeps Philadelphia on track.
• Josh Allen has emerged as the MVP front-runner with historic performances, despite Buffalo’s loss to the Rams.
• Sam Darnold continues to shine, solidifying himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks in 2023.
• The Detroit Lions control their destiny, with the Eagles presenting the biggest challenge to their NFC supremacy.
• The Kansas City Chiefs are in the driver’s seat for home-field advantage, but the Bills haven’t conceded just yet.

As the playoff picture comes into focus, every game matters more, and these narratives will continue to evolve. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the NFL season!