NFL week 14 preview and predictions

The Armchair Quarterback’s Week 14 Predictions

Last week the picks were back on track, finishing up at 12-4 on the week. That puts the overall record for the year at 125-67. If my math is correct, I believe that is 6 games above any member of our fearless fansided editorial staff that pick the games each week. Where you at fellas???? (Just kidding, please don’t take this column away form me and make me write about the WNBA!) I better just get on to this week’s picks.

Texans at Jaguars

Last week I finally wised up and picked against the Texans and it paid off. I also picked against the Jaguars and said there was no way they could win AGAIN and that didn’t pay off. So my gut says go with the Jaguars this week. At least they are showing some fight down the stretch. The Texans have the more talented roster, they just can’t put it together this season. If Jacksonville can beat the Texans in Houston, there’s no reason they can’t beat them at home here.

Texans 20
Jaguars 23

Colts at Bengals

This is an interesting match up between two teams that will likely win their divisions and host playoff games on wild card weekend. The Colts have some really good wins this season, but also have some pretty bad loses. Since losing Reggie Wayne to injury they have been just 3-2 with blow out loses to the Rams and Cardinals. The Bengals are going to go as far as Andy Dalton can take them. Since the Colts are just average against the pass, I think the Bengals will be able to make enough plays to pull this one out at home.

Colts 23
Bengals 27

Browns at Patriots

The Patriots are one of the top 5-6 teams in the NFL. The Browns just lost to the Jaguars at home (no offense Jag fans). So I have to take the Pats here. However, I was a little tempted to pick the upset here. Many of the teams that have given the Patriots problems have had physical front sevens on defense. The Cleveland front seven is very underrated. The Pats are still the smart pick, but don’t be shocked if Cleveland gives them a run for their money.

Browns 17
Patriots 20

Raiders at Jets

I know, I know, you just can’t wait to watch the Geno Smith vs. Matt McGloin QB match up in this one. I don’t know where Vegas set the over/under line for total points in this game, but I’d take the under if I was you. I think this one comes down to who can stop the run the best, and the Jets have one of the best run defenses in football. Take the Jets at home in this one.

Raiders 13
Jets 16

Chiefs at Redskins

(Homer Alert) My beloved Chiefs have officially been knocked from the ranks of the elite with three straight loses. The Redskins are finished at this point and are only playing for next season. This is a big game for KC’s confidence going forward. If they allow RGIII to carve them up the same way Peyton Manning and Phillip Rivers have in the past few weeks, they will have gone from the last undefeated team to a likely “one and done” wild card team. The good news for KC fans is that Alex Smith seems to be settling into Andy Reid’s offense and the Skins have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Look for KC to get back on track in this one.

Chiefs 31
Redskins 24

Vikings at Ravens

This is a game that the Ravens simply must win if they want the final AFC wild card spot. They are playing a losing team at home. The Ravens have a top ten run defense, and they’ll need to use it to slow Adrian Peterson down. The Vikings pass defense has been bad at times this season so this could be a game where Joe Flacco can put up some yards. I’ll take the team that’s at home and has more to play for at this point.

Vikings 17
Ravens 24

Falcons at Packers

The Packers are trying to get people to believe that Aaron Rodgers could still play in this game. Don’t buy it. If he hasn’t been cleared to play at mid-week they aren’t putting him out there on Sunday where he could suffer a set back. Matt Ryan should be able to put up some numbers against the Packers defense, but the Falcons have a horrible run defense so look for Eddie Lacy to rack up some yards on the ground. I’ll take the Packers at home.

Falcons 27
Packers 29

Bills at Buccaneers

This is a toss up game in my opinion and like Oak/NYJ, probably not a game a lot of casual fans will be watching. Look for it to end up being a defensive battle. I’m not sure either offense will be able to get much going. I’ll give the slight edge to the home team.

Bills 13
Buccaneers 14

Dolphins at Steelers

Both of these teams are trying to stay in the fight for the last wild card spot in the AFC. This is another toss up game. I think it will come down to which QB can make something happen, even if his supporting cast is struggling. I’ll give the more experienced Big Ben the edge here.

Dolphins 20
Pittsburgh 24

Lions at Eagles

This is a battle of two 7-5 NFC teams that are trying to keep pace in their respected divisions. Look for a TON of points to be scored in this one as both teams feature some great weapons on offense but often struggle on defense. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game tops 70 points scored. The Eagles have been hot lately, and until Nick Foles cools off I think I give the edge to the home team.

Lions 37
Eagles 41

Titans at Broncos

As a KC fan, I’m still seeing Manning to Decker TD passes in my sleep. The Broncos are just too good. The Titans may be hanging in there after losing Jake Locker, but Denver just has too much talent. The Tennessee defense will keep it respectable, but I don’t think the Titans will be able to keep pace.

Titans 20
Broncos 34

Rams at Cardinals

A battle of two teams that just won’t go away. Both teams have great defenses, but some question marks on offense. The Rams want to feature Zac Stacey, but the Cardinals have a top 5 run defense. This will be another close one, but I think the home team keeps the Rams locked down.

Rams 17
Cardinals 23

Seahawks at 49ers

Obviously, since the entire first section of this week’s column was about how I think the Seahawks will win the Super Bowl, it’s safe to say I’m a believer in that team. The 49ers will keep the score closer than it was in Seattle earlier this season. In the end, the total team effort by the Seahawks will be enough to hold onto this one.

Seahawks 27
49ers 23

Giants at Chargers

The Giants have turned things around of late while the Chargers continue to be wildly inconsistent. I think Phillip Rivers is having a much better season than Eli Manning. However, I’m really not a fan of the Chargers pass defense and I think the New York WRs have a chance to have a big day here. I like the Giants in another high scoring affair.

Giants 30
Chargers 27

Panthers at Saints

This is the game of the week by far. The real question is who will come out on top between the Carolina defense and the Saints offense. I can’t wait to see how this one plays out. I think the Saints will have a chip on their shoulder after getting smacked by the Seahawks. Despite their short week turnaround, I think Drew Brees and the Saints will pull this one out and set up a crucial rematch in a couple of weeks.

Panters 24
Saints 27

Cowboys at Bears

This is another match up of teams that must win in order to keep pace in the NFC playoff picture. Yet again, this appears to be a game that will feature a lot of offense, but not much defense. This should be a close game down to the wire, but I’m counting on these teams’ “self correcting” a little bit. The Cowboys have won two straight and the Bears have lost two straight. The Cowboys aren’t that good and the Bears aren’t that bad. I’ll take the Bears at home.

Cowboys 31
Bears 33

Now it’s on to the Armchair QB Odds and Ends of the Week…….