NFL Week 14: Trends which will decide each game

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills looks to pass during the third quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on December 07, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

8 of 10

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 07: Logan Thomas #82 of the Washington Football Team catches a pass against Cameron Sutton #20 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints (10-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-8-1), 4:25 pm

Saints: It’s possible that Drew Brees could return this week to face the Eagles (via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio). The Saints’ defense has really risen to the occasion as of late and suddenly, no team in the NFL has allowed fewer total yards per contest. The club, in the playoffs for a fourth straight year, ranks second in the league vs. the run.

Eagles: Doug Pederson will give rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts his first start (via ESPN’s Tim McManus) and all he has to do is clash with the league’s top-ranked defense in terms of yards allowed. Protecting the 2020 second-round pick won’t be easy against the Saints’ pass rush. The Birds have allowed a whopping 53 sacks in 12 games.

Washington Football Team (5-7) at San Francisco 49ers (5-7), 4:25 pm

Washington: Led by savvy quarterback Alex Smith, Washington has reeled off three straight victories and are tied atop the NFC East with the rejuvenated Giants. Of course, Ron Rivera’s team was swept by New York this year but the club is back in playoff contention. Washington’s defense is currently ranked 4th in the NFL – 10th vs. the run.

49ers: San Francisco’s once-proud defensive unit was taken apart by the visiting Bills on Monday night at Arizona to the tune of 449 total yards. Kyle Shanahan’s club is 1-4 in its last five games and over that stretch, the team has allowed a disappointing 30.4 points per outing as well as 17 offensive touchdowns – 13 of those through the air.

Home/NFL