NFL Preview and picks for Week 14
It has never been seen before where two teams in the NFL have achieved an undefeated record. Of course we know that it has only been done twice in NFL history with the Dolphins and Patriots. But to have two teams, now that’s something. But here we are in week 14 and both the Colts and Saints still remain undefeated. Both of these teams know how to win, make brilliant comebacks when need be as well. Both teams are equally talented. Are both teams on the road to the Super Bowl? We’ll know in a few weeks.
Steelers at Cleveland - The Super Bowl Champion Steelers probably have been one of the years disappointments. It is doubtful that anyone would have predicted that they would be standing at 6-6 by week 14 of the NFL season. But here they are going into Cleveland with just that. The Steelers defense literally had a complete meltdown against a bad Raiders team that has the 31st ranked offense. To make matters worse, key receiver Hines Ward will more than likely be out for the game with a hamstring injury. And to add to that their top defensive player, Troy Polamalu will be out with an injured knee. Could the feeble Browns pull off an upset? Highly unlikely with having the 32nd overall ranked defense. Lucky for the Steelers.
Prediction - Steelers 21 Browns 14
Jets at Buccaneers - With winning back to back games, the Jets have helped their playoff hopes brighten a little, but going into Tampa, they will be doing it without their starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Kellen Clemens will be taking his place in what will be their important home stretch of games. Clemens has not started a game since 2007, but he may not have to worry about passing much since the Jets have the number one running game in the NFL, averaging 168 yards per game. The Buccaneers on the other hand simple have not been able to get out of the starting gate with just one win to show for it. Their rookie coach Raheem Morris is not have a season that he had hoped for. Like the hapless Rams, this is a young team with mediocre to average talent. The Jets should be able to continue their hunt for a playoff spot.
Prediction - Jets 28 Buccaneers 10
Panthers at Patriots - The Patriots are finally finding out what it is like to lose. With back to back losses, it probably has them reeling, trying to figure out what has happened. The thought of three straight losses probably has Belichick pulling his hair out. There no injuries to report that would help explain why the Patriots just don’t look as good as they use to. The Panthers are hoping that they can go out and beat the Patriots just to try and get their season on a path to .500. With the 3rd ranked rushing offense in the NFL, the Panthers hope to run the game on the legs of DeAngelo Williams. Could this be an upset? It could very well possibly be.
Predictions - Panthers 28 Patriots 21
Bengals at Vikings - Both the Bengals and the Vikings are closing in on winning their divisions so this game is crucial to both of them. The Vikings with a win this Sunday and a loss by the Packers will give the Vikings the NFC North title. But their potent offense might be slowed down by the NFL’s number one scoring defense. The Bengals do however limp into Vikings territory without their top run stopper Domato Peko who had to have surgery on his knee. Old man Favre is leading a team that is second in scoring and have the 3rd ranked runner in yards with Adrian Peterson. The Bengals on the other hand lost to the Raiders and barely escaped with their lives against the Lions and Browns. This could be a bad one for the Bengals.
Predictions - Vikings 35 Bengals 21
Bills at Chiefs - The Bills have been having fourth quarter meltdowns which have knocked them out of playoff contention and now go into Kansas City with just one more win than the Chiefs. The Bills have not been able to hold onto leads in the past few games and have scored 17 points or less in all of their losses. The Chiefs are not much more potent during their games and are suffering in the running game big time since the release of Larry Johnson, just averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Matt Cassel, whom they thought was going to be a “god send” has so far not shown that he is worth the contract that he was given. Even though he was benched in the 4th quarter in last weeks loss, he is expected to start against the Bills. With both teams playing with little offensive or defensive strength, this game could go either way.
Prediction - Chiefs 17 Bills 10
Dolphins at Jaguars - As bad as the Jaguars look at times when they play, they still find themselves standing at 7-5 in the AFC South and could make a run for the playoffs if they continue to win. Funny though, the fans still won’t come and watch the games. There hasn’t been a single sold out game this year, even with their team winning. If the Jaguars win their sixth straight home game on Sunday, it will give them a leg up on the competition for a wild card spot. The Dolphins are just coming off of a win against the Patriots and although their chances of making it into the playoffs are slim, don’t count them out when coming to play, they will probably play the Jaguars tough. With Ricky Williams, with a 5.0 per carry average, as their main weapon, the Jaguars are going to have a tough time of it this home game.
Dolphins 28 Jaguars 21
Broncos at Colts - The Broncos were a big surprise this season when they opened with six straight wins, but have faltered some since then. Now they have to face the undefeated Colts in Colts territory. The Colts have shown that no matter what another team throws at them, they can somehow find a way to win. The Broncos may have out scored the Giants and Chiefs 70-19, but those were not the Colts. Peyton Manning and company will have no problems at home defending their undefeated season up to this point.
Prediction - Colts 35 Broncos 28
Seahawks at Texans - Both teams had high hopes for the season, and the Texans had hopes of winning their first division in franchise history. But all of that has gone by the way side and neither team at 5-7 have any playoff hopes left. The Seahawks can only hope to improve their record and the Texans are focusing on trying to stop a four game losing streak. But not all hope is lost for the Texans, even though they can’t win the division they can still end up with a winning season. With that outlook and playing at home, it is possible that playing a team like Seattle, that doesn’t seem to know what direction they are headed, could spell a win for the Texans.
Prediction - Texans 28 Seahawks 21
Packers at Bears - The Packers are standing pretty good in their division and know that with a loss this Sunday, the Vikings will win the division title, so it is utterly important to them that they beat the 5-7 struggling Bears. The Packers have won four straight and right now are currently in position for a wild card spot in the playoffs. With everything they do from here on out, is basically controlling their own destiny. Their defense is ranked first in the league against the run, they should do great against a Bears team that has had problems running the ball all season. Jay Cutler so far has not been the quarterback answer that they were hoping for when they took him from Denver. What makes matters worse Cutler has thrown a league high 20 interceptions this year. Soldier Field is a great place and has a great fan base, but this one will more than likely go to the Packers, they have far more to play for.
Prediction - Packers 35 Bears 21
Lions at Ravens - The Ravens were actually expected to do well this season and end up in the playoffs, but standing at 6-6 right now does cut down their chances of making it to the post season. But with the Lions coming to town, should help elevate them to some extent and give them the opportunity to turn things around. There are some key injuries to the Ravens (Ed Reed ankle and hip injury and Suggs with a knee injury) that if they were playing against a strong opponent might hurt their chances for a win, but with the weakness of the Lions, that probably won’t make a bit of difference. Daunte Culpepper will be starting for the Lions due to an injury to rookie Stafford, but don’t look for that to lift this team to a higher level.
Prediction - Ravens 21 Lions 17
Saints at Falcons - The undefeated Saints will be marching into Atlanta undefeated and looking to win their division title. They have proven over and over again this season that no matter what you throw at them, they can rise above it. Even last week, they rose above four turnovers and won in overtime. It is doubtful that considering all the injuries that the Falcons have on this team, that they will have enough strength to overcome such a powerhouse as the Saints. Drew Brees has been brilliant all year leading his team to one victory after another.
Prediction - Saint 35 Atlanta 28
Redskins at Oakland - Despite a lousy season for both these teams, the Raiders have pulled off a couple of very surprising wins in the past three weeks and are looking to win another one at home. The Redskins have been able to stay close to the “big boys” in the league, even going into overtime with the undefeated Saints last week, but, they just can’t seem to close out their games. Neither team is going anywhere in the post season, just two mediocre teams playing out the rest of the season.
Prediction - Raiders 28 Redskins 21
Rams at Titans - The Titans have been playing a lot better football since Vince Young has been asked to quarterback the team. At 5-7 in the AFC South, does give them a glimmer of hope for a wild card spot. A lot would have to go their way for this to happen, the first thing would be winning at home against the sorrowful Rams. The Rams come to play the Titans at 1-11, one of their worst starts in franchise history. They have not once all year found a way to win. OK, they won one, but that was against the woeful Lions. Almost doesn’t count. No matter what the Rams do, they never seem to be able to figure out how to win. The only threat that they pose against the Titans is Steven Jackson.
Prediction - Titans 24 Rams 10
Chargers at Cowboys - Whether it is psychological or a curse, the Cowboys never seem to be able to play well in December. With their playoff hopes riding on their December performance, in comes the Chargers. The Chargers on the other hand seem to love December. The Chargers are number one in their division and are hoping to increase their lead in their division with a win this Sunday. The Cowboys have to face Philip Rivers who has the highest quarterback rating in the AFC this year, with a 104.9 rating. And the Chargers have won seven straight. This could be a power to much for the Cowboys to handle, and their December woes may continue.
Prediction - Chargers 35 Cowboys 28
Eagles at Giants - The last time the Eagles played the Giants at Giants stadium is when they ended their hopes of returning to the Super Bowl. Probably a little bit of a grudge there for the Giants. And with a win in New York, the Eagles will end the Giants hopes to reach their fifth post season in a row. Eli Manning and the Giants have just as much on the line if not more than the Eagles, so there is no doubt that the Giants will be waiting to stop the Eagles. They may get that opportunity since the Eagles will be without their start running back, Brian Westbrook.
Prediction - Giants 21 Eagles 17
Cardinals at 49ers - This Monday night, the Cardinals will meet up with the 5-7 49ers in hopes of winning their second NFC West title. The Cardinals led by Kurt Warner, who like Favre continues to amaze people with what he can do on the field, will probably make for an exciting game. The 49ers also need to realize that Warner comes into this game with a 133.2 quarterback rating. It is true that the 49ers have taken them game to the air as well, much like the Cardinals, but it is doubtful that they will be able to match point by point with a Kurt Warner led Cardinals team.
Prediction - Cardinals 38 49ers 28
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