NFL's Final Stretch: Players and Coaches with the Most to Gain or Lose
As the NFL season enters its decisive final five weeks, several players and coaches find themselves at career crossroads. For some, strong performances could secure lucrative contracts, solidify starting roles, or save jobs. For others, struggles could lead to diminished roles, uncertain futures, or outright releases. This analysis examines key figures like Kenneth Walker III, Shedeur Sanders, Matt Eberflus, and Jonathan Gannon, exploring how their performances in these critical games will shape their professional trajectories and team decisions in the upcoming offseason.
The 2025 NFL season has been defined by parity and unpredictability, with playoff races tightening across both conferences as Week 14 approaches. While team destinies remain undecided, individual fates are being forged week by week. For a select group of players and coaches, the season's final five weeks represent more than just a push for the postseason—they are an audition for future roles, contracts, and legacies. Performance under this late-season pressure will directly influence contract negotiations, roster decisions, and coaching futures across the league.
Quarterbacks Facing Defining Moments
The quarterback position always carries the most scrutiny, and several signal-callers enter this crucial stretch with their futures hanging in the balance. Their performances will determine whether they secure long-term commitments or face uncertain offseasons.
Shedeur Sanders: Rookie Opportunity in Cleveland
Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a unique position for a fifth-round pick: he's getting meaningful playing time. After winning his first NFL start against the Raiders in Week 12, Sanders has the opportunity to establish himself as a viable NFL quarterback. His early performances have been mixed, with a 31st-ranked 11.8 Total QBR over his first three weeks, but the Browns are reportedly giving him another start against the Titans. A strong showing against one of the league's weaker defenses could cement his case to start the remainder of the season, potentially transforming him from a late-round project into a legitimate backup candidate with starting potential.
Daniel Jones: Contract Crossroads in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones faces a familiar contract dilemma. After reviving his career with the Colts following his departure from the Giants, Jones has played well enough to earn a raise but not definitively enough to guarantee a long-term extension. The Colts must decide whether to use the franchise tag (projected at $46 million for 2026) or commit to Jones with a multiyear deal. His performance while playing through a fractured fibula will be critical. If he recaptures his early-season MVP-caliber form, he could secure significant guaranteed money. If he looks ordinary, the franchise tag becomes the more prudent—and expensive—option for Indianapolis.
J.J. McCarthy: Sophomore Struggles in Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy's situation has deteriorated significantly. After being drafted in the first round in 2024 to lead a 13-win team, McCarthy has struggled mightily when healthy, posting one of the worst era-adjusted passer ratings in NFL history for a quarterback with his number of attempts. The Vikings could be playoff contenders in 2026 with merely competent quarterback play, putting McCarthy's future as the starter in serious jeopardy. If he returns from concussion protocol and shows meaningful development over the final month, he might merely face competition in camp next year. Continued struggles could relegate him to backup duty after just one season as the presumed starter.
Coaches Under the Microscope
Head coaches and coordinators face equally intense pressure during this final stretch, with job security and future opportunities directly tied to their teams' performances.
Matt Eberflus: Defensive Turnaround in Dallas
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus appeared headed for the one-season fate that has befallen many of Jerry Jones's recent defensive coordinators. His unit ranked 31st in EPA per play before the Week 10 bye. However, the acquisition of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and a subsequent three-game winning streak have improved the defense to 21st in that metric. Eberflus's scheme thrives with penetrating defensive tackles, and he now has both Williams and Osa Odighizuwa in that role. If the Cowboys' defense can approach league average and help secure a playoff berth, Eberflus likely earns a second season. A regression could make him the third defensive coordinator in three years for Dallas.
Jonathan Gannon: Close Losses in Arizona
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has overseen improvement in his defense (up to 15th in EPA per play) but has been plagued by close losses—nine of Arizona's twelve games have been decided by seven points or fewer. At 15-31 over three seasons, Gannon needs to start converting these close games into wins. His creative defensive schemes show promise, especially with the emergence of first-round pick Walter Nolen III. If the Cardinals can win some of these late-season coin flips, Gannon might earn a fourth season to finally reach the postseason. Continued struggles, particularly with developing quarterback Kyler Murray, could prompt organizational change.
Joe Brady: Playoff Test in Buffalo
Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady entered the season as a potential head coaching candidate after successfully elevating Josh Allen's game in 2024. However, Buffalo's offense has become turnover-prone, and criticism has mounted regarding Brady's play-calling, particularly an overreliance on mesh concepts on critical downs. The Bills showed resilience by rushing for 249 yards without their starting tackles against Pittsburgh. If Brady can spark the offense through a deep playoff run, he could regain head coaching interest. Continued struggles might raise questions about his viability without a superstar quarterback at peak performance.
Players Seeking Career-Defining Contracts
Several veteran players and pending free agents have the opportunity to significantly increase their market value with strong finishes to the season.
Kenneth Walker III: Running Back Market in Seattle
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III needs explosive plays to boost his free agent value. After three runs of 40+ yards as a rookie, he has just one such carry over his last 532 attempts. His boom-or-bust running style requires these big gains to offset lower success rates. Currently splitting time with Zach Charbonnet, Walker could secure a multiyear guarantee with a strong finish, particularly if he breaks some long touchdowns. Without those explosive plays, he might be looking at a one-year deal similar to Najee Harris's $5.3 million contract with the Chargers.
Mike Evans: Veteran Receiver Value in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Mike Evans is nearing a return from a broken collarbone that will end his remarkable streak of 1,000-yard seasons. At 32, Evans faces a challenging free agent market for older receivers. He signed a two-year, $41 million deal in 2024 after hitting free agency, reflecting the league's valuation of receivers over 30. A strong return could earn him a similar contract despite the Buccaneers' cap constraints with Baker Mayfield due a raise and Chris Godwin Jr. on a significant deal. Without a productive finish, Evans might be limited to deals in the $10 million range.
Bradley Chubb and Trey Hendrickson: Edge Rusher Futures
Miami Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb has stayed healthy and produced (6 sacks, 14 QB hits) on his unique one-year, $8.8 million deal after missing 2024 with an ACL tear. With Miami potentially rebuilding and having traded Jaelan Phillips, Chubb's $20 million 2026 salary becomes a decision point. A strong finish makes that figure more palatable. Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson faces a different challenge after his holdout and subsequent hip injury. The 30-year-old needs to return and demonstrate he's still the player who led the NFL in created sacks in 2024 to secure a significant multiyear deal. Missing the rest of the season could limit him to a one-year prove-it contract.
Young Talent Seeking Validation
Several younger players have the opportunity to establish themselves as core pieces or secure significant financial futures with strong late-season performances.
Romeo Doubs: Wide Receiver Market in Green Bay
Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs could become the best young wideout on the free agent market with George Pickens likely staying in Dallas and Alec Pierce potentially franchise-tagged in Indianapolis. Doubs has shown talent (ranking 17th in ESPN's receiver scores from 2023-2025) despite drop issues and a 2024 suspension. The Packers' depth at receiver makes them unlikely to re-sign him, giving him unrestricted free agency. A strong finish could position him as a high-end No. 2 receiver worthy of significant investment.
Quentin Johnston: Fifth-Year Option Decision in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston faces a critical evaluation period. The 2023 first-round pick has improved his hands (catch score up from 9 to 46) but has seen his role diminish with the emergence of rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II. The Chargers must decide whether to pick up Johnston's $17.5 million fifth-year option for 2027. A blistering finish could justify the option or even prompt extension talks. More quiet games might lead to a declined option or potential trade, especially since the current regime didn't draft him.
Greg Newsome II and Nate Hobbs: Cornerback Redemption
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Greg Newsome II has struggled since being traded from Cleveland, allowing a 124.7 passer rating in coverage. The 25-year-old needs a strong finish to secure more than a one-year prove-it deal in free agency. Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs, signed to a four-year, $48 million deal, has been disappointing while playing mostly outside (116.2 passer rating allowed) rather than in his natural slot position. With all $9.1 million of his 2026 compensation non-guaranteed, a meaningful playoff contribution could save his roster spot, while continued struggles might prompt the Packers to move on after one season.
Legacy Opportunities
For established veterans, the final stretch offers chances to cement their places in NFL history.
Matthew Stafford: Hall of Fame Cement in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has already achieved Hall of Fame credentials with a Super Bowl victory and top-ten all-time passing numbers. However, he's never been considered the league's best quarterback in any season, earning only two Pro Bowls and no first-place MVP votes. A storybook finish with an MVP award or second Super Bowl would elevate him from "very good for a long time" to an unquestioned all-time great. At 37, this might be his last best chance at such legacy-defining achievements.
The NFL's final five weeks will separate contenders from pretenders not just in the standings, but in individual career trajectories. For every player and coach mentioned, these games represent turning points that will shape their professional lives for years to come. Strong performances can secure financial futures, job security, and historical legacies, while struggles could lead to diminished roles, uncertain employment, and what-if scenarios. In a league where opportunities are fleeting and windows close quickly, these final games carry weight that extends far beyond the current season.
