5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 14

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 22: Chase Claypool #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the sideline during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

4. Sean McVay vs. Bill Belichick

Fans of high-level NFL coaching need to make this weeks’ edition of Thursday Night Football appointment viewing. The mental chess match between McVay and Belichick should be scintillating.

Both teams enter the matchup needing to notch another win to improve their playoff status. The Rams are in good shape with a record of 8-4, but Seattle’s surprising loss to the Giants in Week 13 brings the division title back into play for Los Angeles.

The Patriots, in sharp contrast, are still trying to break into the postseason mix in the AFC with a mediocre record of 6-6. They took care of business in dominating fashion against the Chargers last week, but they desperately need a win over Los Angeles to improve their playoff odds.

The real genius for both coaches will be on display when the Rams have the ball. McVay has done an excellent job of rebuilding Jared Goff’s confidence this season. He’s still a quarterback who depends too much on the Rams’ offensive system, but he’s played good football more often than not this season.

Belichick will be licking his chops at the opportunity to make Goff try to win this game on his own. That’s a recipe for disaster for Los Angeles. If either coach in this game can outfox the other it will give their team an enormous advantage.

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