Eleven playoffs spots are still up for grabs

Week 14 marks the start of the “fourth quarter” for playoff contenders looking to make a final push toward January football. Dallas is the only team that has clinched a playoff berth, so 11 slots are still available. While many teams are all but guaranteed to make it to the playoffs, they are still playing for a high seed, a first-round bye and a division championship. Week 14 is loaded with entertaining matchups. Pittsburgh at Buffalo, 11 a.m. The Steelers looked dead midway through the season, but a resurgence has them eyeing the AFC North crown. Washington at Philadelphia, 11 a.m., KDVR-31. Inconsistency has marred Washington; now it’s in danger of missing the playoffs. Philadelphia is struggling after starting the season well. Arizona at Miami, 11 a.m. The Dolphins were embarrassed by Baltimore last week. They revealed themselves as more pretender than contender, but they’re still in the AFC playoff race. San Diego at Carolina, 11 a.m. The final blow of a Carolina season gone awry was the Cam Newton “tiegate” incident stealing headlines from the real story: the Panthers’ disappointing post-Super Bowl season. Cincinnati at Cleveland, 11 a.m. A home game against a struggling division opponent might be the Browns’ best chance to avoid 0-16. Chicago at Detroit, 11 a.m. The Lions, who have a two-game lead in the NFC North, are one of the league’s surprises. They have to avoid choking away their lead. Houston at Indianapolis, 11 a.m. The NFL’s weakest division, the AFC South, is up for grabs. The leaders are only .500, and the Colts are no longer feared in the division. Minnesota at Jacksonville, 11 a.m. First one to 10 points may win this game matching teams with bad offenses and strong defenses. New York Jets at San Francisco, 2 p.m. This is a battle for better draft position, with each team in position to have a top-five pick. New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 2:25 p.m. It’s hard to believe this Tampa Bay team is the one that the Broncos beat by 20 points in October. Atlanta at L.A. Rams, 2:25 p.m. The Falcons, in the midst of their annual collapse, are in danger of having nothing to show for the league’s best scoring offense. Seattle at Green Bay, 2:25 p.m., KDVR-31. Are the Packers back or just feasting on mediocre teams? The answer comes at home against the Seahawks. Dallas at New York Giants, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9. The Giants are looking more like frauds with every contender they face, but they did hand the Cowboys their only loss this season.