NFL Week 14 2018: Picks and predictions

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes the ball against Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes the ball against Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Chargers QB Philip Rivers
CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers passes in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Chargers (-14)

The Chargers (9-3) are still fighting for the AFC West. The Bengals (5-7) stopped fighting in 1991.

Pick: Los Angeles 42, Cincinnati 17

Denver Broncos (-5.5) at San Francisco 49ers

If you don’t think the Broncos (6-6) are a legit threat to make the playoffs, check out their remaining schedule. They play the 49ers (2-10), Browns at home and then the Raiders on the road before wrapping up at Mile High against a Chargers team that may be resting everyone. A 10-6 mark is both possible and perhaps probable.

Pick: Denver 24, San Francisco 13

Detroit Lions (-2.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Why would the NFL do this to us? The Cardinals (3-9) deserve some credit for showing fight. The Lions 94-8) only deserve credit for refusing to contract themselves after the last 55 years.

Pick: Arizona 20, Detroit 19

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5)

A huge game in the NFC East. The Eagles (6-6) are clawing their way back into the mix, while the Cowboys (7-5) have vaulted to first place with a four-game winning streak. Whoever wins this game has the inside track to the fourth seed in the NFC playoffs.

Pick: Dallas 22, Philadelphia 20

Pittsburgh Steelers (-10.5) at Oakland Raiders

If the Steelers (7-4-1) lose this game, they are in serious trouble of not making the playoffs. Pittsburgh still has dates with the Patriots and Saints lined up, both of which could easily be losses. The Raiders (2-10) are the worst team in football, though, so don’t expect a win. Maybe some toughness?

Pick: Pittsburgh 30, Oakland 27

Los Angeles Rams (-3) at Chicago Bears

The Rams (11-1) and Bears (8-4) are an epic contrast. Chicago wants a street fight. Los Angeles wants a ballet on grass. Don’t confuse the latter for being at a disadvantage, though. The Rams are the league’s greatest dance routine.

Pick: Los Angeles 25, Chicago 21

Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks (-3)

A matchup of the two likely wild card teams. Seattle (7-5) could all but clinch a spot with a win, knowing it has San Francisco and Arizona left to play. The Vikings (6-5-1) need this one more, with the Panthers, Redskins and Eagles still looming.

Pick: Seattle 28, Minnesota 24

Last Week: 9-7
Season:118-71-2