State of the Nation

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By Paul Howard

As the weeks progress, the games get more and more important. Certain teams lie on the cusp of a potential playoff run, while others are nearly guaranteed a postseason birth. Also, the teams that have already clinched a playoff spot look to snag that first-round bye and home field advantage.

Week 14 brings some tricky match-ups for teams that desperately need to win, or look to continue their winning ways. Several divisions are still up for grabs, and this could be a crucial week for teams trying to make their mark.

Here are the winning teams of this week that will throw a curve ball into the playoff race.

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