NFL WEEK 14_ PICKS ARE IN!!

WEEK 14_COMING INTO CRUNCH TIME_ WEEKLY PREDICTIONS

Coming into Week 14, we have some key matchups that could play largely into the playoff picture. The biggest game of the week has to come in Pittsburg, hosting the Ravens who have grinded out wins this year. We also have another division showdown with the Chiefs taking on the underwhelming Raiders, whose defense came alive…against the Giants. Staying within the AFC West, Phillip Rivers and Co. have a chance to make a statement and put themselves in position to make a run at the division title. Enough blabbing let us get into each matchup and make some predictions.

Colts VS. BILLS

I really should not be predicting this game so early with Tyrod’s status up in the air. However, I have always believe indoor teams do not do well in the cold. What if Peterman starts? If he does, the play calling has to change (Very large weakness for the Bills). If the Bills want to make it easy, they rely on McCoy to win. Jacoby Brissett has not been terrible in any means this season, but with one solid receiver, and a line that has allowed 47 sacks, it is hard to succeed. In the playoff race, the Bills get the win at home.

Bears VS. BENGALS

Wow. What an epic fail on the Bengals part. Have the game wrapped up, and instead left out some cookies and milk for Big Ben to have after a nice comeback. Luckily, this week they get to play the Bears at home. I will not take anything away from the Bears. They are young, developing, and will be a strong team once they can get a few more pieces. Unfortunately, even with a solid defensive core. Trubisky will struggle against a strong secondary, which was able to keep George Ioka on the field this Sunday. The Bengals still have a fighting chance for the playoffs and they get the W this weekend.

PACKERS VS. Browns

Ah yes, another Browns matchup. Honestly, this is the last of two chances to pull out a win this season. Against a backup quarterback at home, the only other is on the road against a Bears. The Browns should be able to contain Williams and Jones on the ground but only for so long. The Browns, again do not win.

RAIDERS VS. Chiefs

The Raiders travel to Kansas City in an all-important matchup that could severely shake up the division. Andy Reid is keeping out Marcus Peters for his hilarious actions last week. Why argue? Just throw the flag (Insert laughing emoji). I do not like this decision. Your secondary is terrible with him; hmm maybe Revis will come back like Benjamin Button. The Raiders defense is finally starting to look up since the addition of Navarro Bowman and the firing of their defensive coordinator. Marshawn Lynch looks damn hungry these days. Chiefs keep dumping, based on terrible o-line play and mediocre defense. Raiders on the road, no doubt.

COWBOYS VS Giants

This matchup is much harder for me to pick this week than it should be. As much as Eli and the Giants have struggled this year, I still do not buy into how bad they are. Eli regains his job back. The players might actually start to give a shit. Unfortunately, it probably will not be enough. Dallas for the past several years has created defenses by year’s end, were all like, really? Hutchins, Lawrence, Smith, Lee. They are one heck of a disruptive group. I expect the Cowboys to continue their changed offense back to relying on the run. Alfred Morris time once again. Cowboys dig this one out on the road.

Lions VS BUCS

Seems like another typical season for both of these teams. Stafford coming into this one really banged up, with a bruised hand. I admire his toughness, but if you are the Lions, you just paid him. Sit him if he is not right. Only problem people. Ameer Abdullah is Ameer Abdullah, but crap, he is hurt too. Jameis started strong in Lambeau last week, just could not pull off the win. Gerald McCoy the past several weeks has cause some issues for the quarterback and if Stafford cannot start could help force some bad throws for INTS. I hope the Bucs stick with Barber. They do not like Dougie Fresh anyways. Buccaneers get the win at home.

VIKINGS VS Panthers

Most games the Vikings play have some nice inflated scores the opposition. Case Keenum has done everything he can to ensure he will be a starter next year. Damn, I would like to see him on the Browns, with Josh Gordon. We do need some more parity in the league. Carolina the whole year has done what the Seahawks do. Rely on your #1. Cam Newton is one of the most dynamic players in the league, but this week he will need help. Panthers will have to establish a run game if they want any chance at working the ball downfield through the air. The Vikings defense is too much for the Panthers. Vikings come in on the motorcycles this week and bully Carolina.

49ers VS TEXANS

Interesting game last week for Jimmy G and the Niners against the Bears. A teammate even said he looks like Tom Brady out there. That is great, truly. However, he cannot expect to be leaned on within a true number one, taking nothing away from Marquis Goodwin. On the other side, Tom Savage has been all but average or below since taking over for Deshaun Watson. He looked awful the two weeks ago against the Ravens, but this week he faces an awful secondary. Look for Hopkins to dominate this week. The Texans come out on top.

JETS VS Broncos

Honestly since he started in Cleveland, I have not been able to get enough Josh McCown. This year, the Jets have over performed with a seasoned mobile QB. This is a huge step in the right direction, even if they have not found a long-term answer at the position. I see Kearse and Anderson developing rapport and progressing to become better WRs. Oh, that was not the Broncos? Many similarities between these two teams. I do not have too much exciting to say for the Broncos, their boring. If the defense can step it up, I give them a fighter’s chance, but the J-E-T-S J-E-T-S J-E-T-S win!

TITANS VS Cardinals

Marcus Mariota looks to have both Delanie Walker and Rishard Matthews this week against a tough matchup against Patrick Peterson and the Cardinals D. The Cardinals truly only have one impressive win this whole year, at home against the Jaguars. Unfortunately, for them, Mariota will take free yards if the coverage is too good. Blaine Gabbert has not looked terrible at all for the Cardinals, but with Peterson out again, they will have to rely on Kerwynn Williams to carry the workload on the ground. If they are stuffed the Cardinals become one-dimensional quickly, will not work against the Titans.

Redskins VS CHARGERS

Interesting sequence of games here…Chargers beat Cowboys…Cowboys beat Redskins. So yes, you guessed it….Chargers are going to beat the Redskins. Why? Injuries. Poor Kirk is relying an extremely damaged offensive line that will be tested in Los Angeles. Dez Bryant was able to breakout over the tired defense of the Redskins, I expect Keenan Allen to do the same. I have the Chargers at home, with no issues.

EAGLES VS Rams

The Eagles offensive line came a little unraveled in Seattle last week, were we really expecting Vatai to never get burned? It had to happen again once. Defensively, they did about as good as they could, trying to contain Wilson. Damn he’s something else. Rams’ offense has been on a tear this year, but they come up against a solid defense. If they want to win, they must establish the run against a strong front. Goff must be able to avoid the pressure. I am not sold the Eagles can lose in back to back weeks. Ajayi and Blount run wild against a 26th ranked rush defense.

Seattle VS SACKSONVILLE

What a great matchup this is. Jacksonville hosts the Seahawks who seem to be getting hot at the right time. Can the mean defense of the Jaguars stop them? Yes. I will say last week Wilson torched the Eagles D. But unfortunately for Wilson, the defense has very little weaknesses. Wilson will have to allude pressure often, causing at least one int. Bortles and Company do enough through the air with Lee and Westbrook emerging as their top passing options. Jags get the win at home.

Ravens VS STEELERS

The Ravens defense looked absolutely punishing last week against Detroit. We saw the secondary hold down the receivers, giving the D-line enough time to get to Stafford. As much as I respect their defense. The Ravens offense still just looks eh. If they want to win, ride Alex Collins and make deep throws to Wallace only. Steel City looked pretty bad until the 4th quarter against the Bengals. Their defense will need to respond in a big way after losing Shazier, possibly for forever. I am taking the Steelers only due to home field advantage.

PATS VS Dolphins

Woohoo. What a matchup on Monday night. I do not expect this to be a blowout by any means. The secondary (whole defense) of the Patriots is riddled with big time injuries. The Dolphins are not as dominant on the line as they should be. Unfortunately, for the them Tom Brady is on the other side of the line. They get the win in Miami Monday night.