Week 14 NFL Predictions
The
playoff race is almost over and soon we'll be seeing January football. But we
aren't there yet. Only one team has guaranteed themselves a spot in the
playoffs mathematically and that's the Dallas Cowboys. The other 11 spots are
open to at least 26 other teams and a few more will be eliminated this week if
they lose. With that in mind, these will be some nerve-wracking games and we
got some exciting ones for this week. Well, what are we waiting for? LET'S GO!
Sanders went 9-6 last week putting him to a 116-74-2 which is better than his favorite analyst Elliot Harrison :D Making it big!
Oakland
Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs
Hyped
up matchup here and probably the biggest of the week playoff-wise. Both are
looking to aim
at
the No. 1 seed and this could end up deciding who wins the division. So who
wins? Everyone is talking the Raiders and I am going to make some Raiders fans mad.
I think the Chiefs will win. Why? Because they are at home and the most
unpredictable-predictable team. It is almost guaranteed that the Chiefs offense
will be boring and that the defense will make plays. That's what is
predictable. What's unpredictable is how they keep winning games they have
no business winning. The same can be said for the Raiders as well. Their
mediocre defense is always putting them behind when suddenly MVP candidate
Derek Carr shows up and takes care of the Raiders as if nothing bad was going to happen
in the first place. So where does this take us? Well, historically, the best
remedy for facing an amazing offense is to have a defense that can stop it and
force turnovers and that's what the Chiefs have. Unfortunately, the Chiefs offense
is just good enough to take care of the Raiders defense meaning the Chiefs have
the slight edge. In the end, the game will come down to a huge play from Carr
and Crabtree or a huge play Berry and Houston. I'll take Berry to make the
game-winning interception.
Raiders
27 Chiefs 28
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills
I am not convinced of the Steelers like everyone else is. Yes, their offense is very potent but it hasn't been CONSISTENTLY potent throughout the year. Yes, we can blame Bell's suspension and Bryant's suspension but, you know, is that an excuse? Maybe. The Bills are a good proving grounds especially on an away game yet this seems like the exact type of game the Steelers would go in and lose. Don't believe me? Look at the loss to the Dolphins then the Eagles. And they didn't even put a game against New England AT HOME which is what a contender is supposed to do. I think the Steelers are the better team but their penchant for losing games they should win makes me believe Buffalo runs away with this one.
Steelers 17 Bills 23
San Diego Chargers vs Carolina Panthers
A few months ago, this game was one that was looked forward to because of the playoff implications it could have had. Now? Loss of morale and fun in the game has crushed the Panthers and questionable coaching has doomed the Chargers in some games. So what happens here? Well, the Panthers are at home which should boost the morale and fun in the game yet the Chargers always seem to perform better away than they do at home. Odd indeed. My pick will be the Panthers. They win when they have fun and when you're at home, it's always possible to have fun.
Chargers 21 Panthers 30
Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns
I'm doing it. I'm gonna bite the bullet. I'm picking the Browns to win. The Bengals are an injury riddled team and RG3 is starting for the Browns. While that may seem odd, you have seen Kessler lose enough games to know what he can do for you. RG3 hasn't done anything yet due to injuries so he is a still a mystery as to who he is in a Hue Jackson offense.
AH WHO AM I KIDDING! It's the Browns. The Bengals will win barring a 2012 RG3 appearance.
Bengals 20 Browns 14
Chicago Bears vs Detroits Lions
The Lions are a good team and can go a long way in sealing their division title hopes here. However, isn't this the exact type of upset we would see from a Lions team who started off the first 3/4 of the season well? Yes. It is.....3 years ago. Now? I don't think these Lions are a team to lose a trap game like this, even if it is a division game. The Bears are just a bad team this year and if the Lions want to be taken seriously, they have to win here. No questions asked.
Bears 17 Lions 27
Houstan Texans vs Indianapolis Colts
The Texans are the worst division leader right now. I feel like the Browns would actually have a shot at them, that's how bad the Texans are yet they find ways to win. While the Colts pummeling of the Jets seems like they are on their way back into the playoff picture, that was merely a smokescreen as it was only the Jets they beat. But, the Colts are slowly looking like the best team in a paltry AFC South. They'll knock the Texans off their thrown because Andrew Luck is magic.
Texans 17 Colts 31
Minnesota Vikings vs Jacksonville Jaguars
What a snoozer. I feel bad for both Vikings and Jaguars fans that they have to watch this game. The Jaguars have no chance at the playoffs and the Vikings essentially have to win out if they want to get in. They showed to be Dallas's toughest challenge yet which is a great moral victory but means nothing when it comes to stats. Blake Bortles, a man who I thought would be the future of the Jaguars, looks just as bad as Gabbert did for them. He'll be given one more year, but things look grim for the Jaguars offense and it's something the Vikings can take advantage of.
Vikings 20 Jaguars 10
Arizona Cardinals vs Miami Dolphins
I am not hating on the Dolphins here. I will just not underestimate a Cardinals team who just beat the Redskins and seems to be getting their swagger back for the final push of the season. The Cardinals could win out and still not get the wildcard. However, if the dominoes fall in their favor, they can punch their ticket in to try and reclaim their glory from last year. The Dolphins on the otherside, feel like that kind of team that rides the hot hand, gets their win streak cut in a blowout loss, and then just never recovers from the loss. It's a tough call, but I give the edge to a desperate Cardinals team over a Dolphins team that hasn't given a reaction of a team determined to make the playoffs.
Cardinals 24 Dolphins 20
Washington Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles
Seen a few people who think the Eagles can beat the Redskins. Yeah, it's possible. But I don't think Cousins is going to allow it to happen. Cousins has been shredding people no matter who he plays. Most Redskins games have come down to whether the Redskins defense can hold off the opposing offense. In this case, they are playing against wide receivers infamous for not being able to catch balls from Carson Wentz. I don't see that trend ending which is a positive for the Redskins.
Redskins 27 Eagles 21
Denver Broncos vs Tennessee Titans
Another tough one to call. While the Broncos would seem like the favorite, the Titans will be at home and don't necessarily have the best running defense. Enter the league's "exotic smashmouth offense" which has done an excellent job in running the ball behind a rejuvenated Demarco Murray. It's fair to wonder if the Broncos can win this one or not, however, it's unfair to underestimate Miller and Ware's ability to get after Mariota or Murray in open space. I want to pick the Titans but my get tells me to pick the Broncos.
Broncos 24 Titans 23
New York Jets vs San Francisco 49ers
Another snoozefast coming up this Sunday. Who wins? Most people are picking the 49ers. I will take the Jets only because they have the playmakers on offense to take care of such a bad 49ers team. Not much to say in this spot of the column when both teams are unbearable to watch right now.
Jets 13 49ers 10
UPSET OF THE WEEK!!!!
Seattle Seahawks vs Green Bay Packers
I believe it. The Packers are back. They are getting healthy at the right time on defense and Aaron Rodgers has been performing well over the last 4 weeks win or lose. Oh, and they will be at Lambeau Field. While I believe the Seahawks are the only TRUE threat to Dallas in the NFC, they lose to a Packers team here that's starting to get their swagger back. No better place for Green Bay to do it than in Championship City.
Seahawks 17 Packers 20
Atlanta Falcons vs St. Louis Rams
I'm going to take an odd pick here. I am going to take the Rams to win this game. Jared Goff has looked decent and he has a prime opportunity to prove himself by out dueling Matt Ryan. Except not really because the Falcons defense isn't that good and the Rams defense can be a lockdown defense. If both of those things fall into place, Jared Goff can take advantage of being able to have the ball more and wear out a Falcons defense on the way to a victory. Breakout game for Jared Goff? Yes please.
Falcons 17 Rams 20
New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are on fire and I wouldn't put it past them to take away another win. I also wouldn't put it past the Saints to beat the Bucs either. So what does that mean in terms of predictions? I am going with the hot hand and picking the Bucs. They have looked great AS A TEAM recently and are at home as well. They can steal away the division throne for the Falcons with a win here (see above).
Saints 24 Bucs 31
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
You know what, the Cowboys are the kings of the NFL. But every king has a rival they somehow beats them everytime they meet. Yes. I am picking the Giants. Not because I don't believe in the Cowboys but because they Giants seem to pull out wins against the Cowboys for reasons only the football gods know. To sum it up, I think the Cowboys go 14-2 with their only two losses being against the Giants. They have the ability to stop Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott. The game really comes down to whether they can show that ability. Primetime in New York City? Hell yeah they can.
Cowboys 23 Giants 24
Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots
This is the most exciting game in he AFC this week. No game has better implications for two teams than this one. Can the Ravens maintain their steady progress on offense that they have shown in the last 3 weeks (368 yards, 311 yards, 496 yards)? Can the Patriots survive against a top tier defense without Gronkowski? Both questions will be answered on Monday Night. Both teams have a great shot at winning. No team give the Patriots a tougher out at Gillette Stadium. However, Flacco and Harbaugh are are 3-5 against the Patriots (2-2 in the playoffs and 1-3 in regular season). Also, the Patriots have never lost a Monday Night game at home since 2005. The true colors of both teams should be revealed on Monday and while Baltimore has a legitimate shot at upsetting the Patriots here ( and I won't be surprised if they do) the Patriots should be able to squeak by with a win in what should be a back and forth nail biter.
Ravens 24 Patriots 30
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Buffalo Bills
I am not convinced of the Steelers like everyone else is. Yes, their offense is very potent but it hasn't been CONSISTENTLY potent throughout the year. Yes, we can blame Bell's suspension and Bryant's suspension but, you know, is that an excuse? Maybe. The Bills are a good proving grounds especially on an away game yet this seems like the exact type of game the Steelers would go in and lose. Don't believe me? Look at the loss to the Dolphins then the Eagles. And they didn't even put a game against New England AT HOME which is what a contender is supposed to do. I think the Steelers are the better team but their penchant for losing games they should win makes me believe Buffalo runs away with this one.
Steelers 17 Bills 23
San Diego Chargers vs Carolina Panthers
A few months ago, this game was one that was looked forward to because of the playoff implications it could have had. Now? Loss of morale and fun in the game has crushed the Panthers and questionable coaching has doomed the Chargers in some games. So what happens here? Well, the Panthers are at home which should boost the morale and fun in the game yet the Chargers always seem to perform better away than they do at home. Odd indeed. My pick will be the Panthers. They win when they have fun and when you're at home, it's always possible to have fun.
Chargers 21 Panthers 30
Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns
I'm doing it. I'm gonna bite the bullet. I'm picking the Browns to win. The Bengals are an injury riddled team and RG3 is starting for the Browns. While that may seem odd, you have seen Kessler lose enough games to know what he can do for you. RG3 hasn't done anything yet due to injuries so he is a still a mystery as to who he is in a Hue Jackson offense.
AH WHO AM I KIDDING! It's the Browns. The Bengals will win barring a 2012 RG3 appearance.
Bengals 20 Browns 14
Chicago Bears vs Detroits Lions
The Lions are a good team and can go a long way in sealing their division title hopes here. However, isn't this the exact type of upset we would see from a Lions team who started off the first 3/4 of the season well? Yes. It is.....3 years ago. Now? I don't think these Lions are a team to lose a trap game like this, even if it is a division game. The Bears are just a bad team this year and if the Lions want to be taken seriously, they have to win here. No questions asked.
Bears 17 Lions 27
Houstan Texans vs Indianapolis Colts
The Texans are the worst division leader right now. I feel like the Browns would actually have a shot at them, that's how bad the Texans are yet they find ways to win. While the Colts pummeling of the Jets seems like they are on their way back into the playoff picture, that was merely a smokescreen as it was only the Jets they beat. But, the Colts are slowly looking like the best team in a paltry AFC South. They'll knock the Texans off their thrown because Andrew Luck is magic.
Texans 17 Colts 31
Minnesota Vikings vs Jacksonville Jaguars
What a snoozer. I feel bad for both Vikings and Jaguars fans that they have to watch this game. The Jaguars have no chance at the playoffs and the Vikings essentially have to win out if they want to get in. They showed to be Dallas's toughest challenge yet which is a great moral victory but means nothing when it comes to stats. Blake Bortles, a man who I thought would be the future of the Jaguars, looks just as bad as Gabbert did for them. He'll be given one more year, but things look grim for the Jaguars offense and it's something the Vikings can take advantage of.
Vikings 20 Jaguars 10
Arizona Cardinals vs Miami Dolphins
I am not hating on the Dolphins here. I will just not underestimate a Cardinals team who just beat the Redskins and seems to be getting their swagger back for the final push of the season. The Cardinals could win out and still not get the wildcard. However, if the dominoes fall in their favor, they can punch their ticket in to try and reclaim their glory from last year. The Dolphins on the otherside, feel like that kind of team that rides the hot hand, gets their win streak cut in a blowout loss, and then just never recovers from the loss. It's a tough call, but I give the edge to a desperate Cardinals team over a Dolphins team that hasn't given a reaction of a team determined to make the playoffs.
Cardinals 24 Dolphins 20
Washington Redskins vs Philadelphia Eagles
Seen a few people who think the Eagles can beat the Redskins. Yeah, it's possible. But I don't think Cousins is going to allow it to happen. Cousins has been shredding people no matter who he plays. Most Redskins games have come down to whether the Redskins defense can hold off the opposing offense. In this case, they are playing against wide receivers infamous for not being able to catch balls from Carson Wentz. I don't see that trend ending which is a positive for the Redskins.
Redskins 27 Eagles 21
Denver Broncos vs Tennessee Titans
Another tough one to call. While the Broncos would seem like the favorite, the Titans will be at home and don't necessarily have the best running defense. Enter the league's "exotic smashmouth offense" which has done an excellent job in running the ball behind a rejuvenated Demarco Murray. It's fair to wonder if the Broncos can win this one or not, however, it's unfair to underestimate Miller and Ware's ability to get after Mariota or Murray in open space. I want to pick the Titans but my get tells me to pick the Broncos.
Broncos 24 Titans 23
New York Jets vs San Francisco 49ers
Another snoozefast coming up this Sunday. Who wins? Most people are picking the 49ers. I will take the Jets only because they have the playmakers on offense to take care of such a bad 49ers team. Not much to say in this spot of the column when both teams are unbearable to watch right now.
Jets 13 49ers 10
UPSET OF THE WEEK!!!!
Seattle Seahawks vs Green Bay Packers
I believe it. The Packers are back. They are getting healthy at the right time on defense and Aaron Rodgers has been performing well over the last 4 weeks win or lose. Oh, and they will be at Lambeau Field. While I believe the Seahawks are the only TRUE threat to Dallas in the NFC, they lose to a Packers team here that's starting to get their swagger back. No better place for Green Bay to do it than in Championship City.
Seahawks 17 Packers 20
Atlanta Falcons vs St. Louis Rams
I'm going to take an odd pick here. I am going to take the Rams to win this game. Jared Goff has looked decent and he has a prime opportunity to prove himself by out dueling Matt Ryan. Except not really because the Falcons defense isn't that good and the Rams defense can be a lockdown defense. If both of those things fall into place, Jared Goff can take advantage of being able to have the ball more and wear out a Falcons defense on the way to a victory. Breakout game for Jared Goff? Yes please.
Falcons 17 Rams 20
New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are on fire and I wouldn't put it past them to take away another win. I also wouldn't put it past the Saints to beat the Bucs either. So what does that mean in terms of predictions? I am going with the hot hand and picking the Bucs. They have looked great AS A TEAM recently and are at home as well. They can steal away the division throne for the Falcons with a win here (see above).
Saints 24 Bucs 31
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
You know what, the Cowboys are the kings of the NFL. But every king has a rival they somehow beats them everytime they meet. Yes. I am picking the Giants. Not because I don't believe in the Cowboys but because they Giants seem to pull out wins against the Cowboys for reasons only the football gods know. To sum it up, I think the Cowboys go 14-2 with their only two losses being against the Giants. They have the ability to stop Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott. The game really comes down to whether they can show that ability. Primetime in New York City? Hell yeah they can.
Cowboys 23 Giants 24
Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots
This is the most exciting game in he AFC this week. No game has better implications for two teams than this one. Can the Ravens maintain their steady progress on offense that they have shown in the last 3 weeks (368 yards, 311 yards, 496 yards)? Can the Patriots survive against a top tier defense without Gronkowski? Both questions will be answered on Monday Night. Both teams have a great shot at winning. No team give the Patriots a tougher out at Gillette Stadium. However, Flacco and Harbaugh are are 3-5 against the Patriots (2-2 in the playoffs and 1-3 in regular season). Also, the Patriots have never lost a Monday Night game at home since 2005. The true colors of both teams should be revealed on Monday and while Baltimore has a legitimate shot at upsetting the Patriots here ( and I won't be surprised if they do) the Patriots should be able to squeak by with a win in what should be a back and forth nail biter.
Ravens 24 Patriots 30
No comments:
Post a Comment