5 NFL players that need to step up for their teams in Week 14

NFL players that need to come up big in Week 14

Three more players who need to step up for their teams in Week 14 of the 2021 NFL season.

#3 - QB Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints vs. New York Jets

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill

The bad news is that the New Orleans Saints enter Week 14 on an active five-game losing streak. It is the longest active losing streak in the NFL. The good news is that they are still alive in the NFC playoff race. They currently sit just one game behind in the standings for a Wild Card spot.

Taysom Hill has been a gadget player on the Saints offense for most of the 2021 NFL season, but as of last week, he has been named the starting quarterback. With Jameis Winston out for the year and Trevor Siemian losing the job, Hill will be responsible for ending the Saints' losing streak and getting back in the playoff race. It has to start in a favorable matchup in Week 14 against the New York Jets.

#4 - QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

Cam Newton returned to his former long-time team, the Carolina Panthers, just three games ago. In his first game back, he didn't start at quarterback but did score two touchdowns in a win. This got the Panthers excited that Cam Newton was going to save their season after the team struggled with quarterback Sam Darnold.

Newton started the next two games for the Panthers but lost both of them. He has thrown two interceptions already and is completing just 56 percent of his passes. He will need to turn things around in Week 14 against the Atlanta Falcons or their playoff hopes could disappear. Both teams enter Week 14 battling to remain in the Wild Card race.

#5 - QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens enter Week 14 having lost three of their last five games. One of the main reasons is Lamar Jackson's recent struggles. Over his last four games, Lamar Jackson has thrown eight interceptions. He now has the second-most interceptions in the entire NFL this season.

The Ravens enter Week 14 just half a game out of the top seed in the AFC playoff picture. It is crucial that they keep pace if they want to stay in the race for the top spot. Jackson has an opportunity in Week 14 to clean up the turnovers and get back on track in a rivalry game with the Cleveland Browns.