WEEK 14: PICKS OF THE WEEK

Week 14 and the final playoff push is here, NFL fans. This is the time we find out who are the teams destined for the playoffs, and which players will be watching from their couches back home. This week is full of very enticing games, and I am very excited to be sitting squarely on my couch this coming Sunday.

Oakland Raiders (10-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (9-3)

The Raiders offense is on an unprecedented tear. They have been putting up 30+ point outputs for many consecutive weeks now, and they don’t seem ready to let up. The Chiefs won in a tight one on the road against the Atlanta. Travis Kelce put up an incredible 140 yard performance. This is a huge game, and one I think Kansas City pulls the upset.

Kansas City Chiefs 24 Oakland Raiders 23

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) at Buffalo Bills (6-6)

Roethlisberger and Bell took care of business last week at home against the surprisingly good New York Giants. Despite a solid rushing performance, the Bills defense was not able to hold down the hot Raiders. Pittsburgh gets to eight wins.

Pittsburgh Steelers 27 Buffalo Bills 20

Denver Broncos (8-4) at Tennessee Titans (6-6)

The Broncos defense looks as good as it has in a while. Von Miller leads the league in sacks, and the secondary is holding the back end together well. The Titans were on bye last week, and that rest should benefit them this week. However, Denver should win.

Denver Broncos 26 Tennessee Titans 21

Washington Redskins (6-5-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)

The Redskins put up a solid offensive game but their defense was exposed greatly at the hands of the Cardinals in the desert. The Eagles got beat badly by and equally struggling Cincinnati Bengals. Washington should get back on track this week.

Washington Redskins 19 Philadelphia Eagles 17

Arizona Cardinals (5-6-1) at Miami Dolphins (7-5)

The Cardinals looked like a whole different team last week. Their offense was clicking on all cylinders, as David Johnson led the game in receiving and rushing. Miami got blown out, and failed to score a touchdown. A similar performance won’t do.

Arizona Cardinals 20 Miami Dolphins 10

San Diego Chargers (5-7) at Carolina Panthers (4-8)

This game does not have any real impact on the playoff races in the NFL. The Chargers lost in a one score game last week against the Bucs. If they can better utilize their pass rushing sets and get Melvin Gordon going, this game could swing in their way.

San Diego Chargers 17 Carolina Panthers 14

Cincinnati Bengals (4-7-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-12)

The Bengals looked downright dangerous last week in a dominant win versus the Eagles. The Browns were on bye, but I do not think many teams around the NFL even noticed. The Bengals get another big W.

Cincinnati Bengals 27 Cleveland Browns 10

Chicago Bears (3-9) at Detroit Lions (8-4)

The Bears got a big win last week, but the fact that it was the 49ers mitigates the surprisingly comfortable win. This week, they face the division-leading Lions with the potential to play spoiler and benefit the hated rival Packers. I don’t think that happens.

Detroit Lions 34 Chicago Bears 26

Houston Texans (6-6) at Indianapolis Colts (6-6)

Two 6-6 teams will duel it out this week with the division likely on the line. The Texans lost last week to the improving Packers and their offense continued their ugly slump. The Colts are in the opposite boat, as they have found some significant momentum and had a dominant 41 point outing last week.

Indianapolis Colts 29 Houston Texans 16

Minnesota Vikings (6-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)

The Vikings are the tale of two sides, as their offense seems to be in a free fall while their defense continues to stifle passing and rushing attacks alike. Luckily for Minnesota, the Jags offense isn’t scoring either. The Vikings take a much needed win.

Minnesota Vikings 24 Jacksonville Jaguars 20

New York Jets (3-9) at San Francisco 49ers (1-11)

Well won’t this game be a doozy! This matchup between two of the NFL’s worst teams this season should bear that exact result. This game is going to be sloppy from start to finish, and a late game field gold by New York will be the difference.

New York Jets 20 San Francisco 49ers 17

New Orleans Saints (5-7) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)

Another game that seems lackluster to watch, this one is going to be huge for the playoff implications of the Buccaneers, who currently hold the #6 seed in the NFC. I predict the Saints to pull this one off, and leave the Buccaneers in a flux.

New Orleans Saints 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22

Atlanta Falcons (7-5) at Los Angeles Rams (4-8)

The Falcons should be on their toes this week. This has trap game written all over it, at least from my perspective. Atlanta lost in a one point game last week and should be hungry for a W, but so is an LA team with a ravenous young quarterback.

Los Angeles Rams 25 Atlanta Falcons 19

Seattle Seahawks (8-3-1) at Green Bay Packers (6-6)

Seattle and Green Bay in December often leads to some incredible football games and moments. This one is going to be good, folks. Seattle just trampled the Panthers at home, but head to Green Bay to face a revitalized and focus Packers team who cannot lose. I am taking Green Bay in overtime.

Green Bay Packers 31 Seattle Seahawks 24 (OT)

Dallas Cowboys (11-1) at New York Giants (8-4)

This classic rivalry game under the lights of Sunday night football will be quite the game to watch! I actually do believe the Giants win this one, and defend their precious home field. The Boys looked a little flat in their tight win against Minnesota, and I think that continues this week.

New York Giants 21 Dallas Cowboys 20

Baltimore Ravens (7-5) at New England Patriots (10-2)

The Monday night game this week has some significant implications for December football. The Ravens are in a skin tight battle for first place in the North. The Patriots already have their division pretty much locked up, but will win this week and get one week closer to securing that #1 seed.

New England Patriots 30 Baltimore Ravens 20