Hey everybody! Hope you all enjoyed this past weekend, especially with the exciting games that happened. Week 14 was the last week involving any bye weeks, so the final push of the season towards the playoffs should feature some very important matchups. There are several divisional races that are heating up, including the AFC North, NFC North, and AFC South. Usually, these last several weeks in the NFL regular season are a bloodbath, and I’m excited to preview them all!
PICKS (133-75 Overall)
Atlanta Falcons (4-9) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
- The Bucs have been on a bit of a skid lately, but luckily, they are getting back WR Mike Evans from IR this week. We’ll see how much of a factor he is, but either way, this Bucs team needs to pick up a divisional win to keep the lead over the Panthers in the NFC South.
Buffalo Bills (9-4) @ New England Patriots (11-2)
- Earlier in the season, the Patriots stunned the Bills in Buffalo to take the lead in the AFC East, and they haven’t turned back since. The Bills are coming off a legendary snow-game win against the Bengals, and they need to continue to win these tough games in order to cement their spot in the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens (6-7) @ Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
- Lamar Jackson just hasn’t looked like himself this season. The Ravens are still very much in the running for the AFC North, but they always seem to play close games against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. I’ll take Cincy at home here, and I think Burrow has an MVP-type game against a divisional foe.
New York Jets (3-10) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
- Well, the Jets are turning to undrafted rookie QB Brady Cook to start this week, with both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor out. Meanwhile, the Jags are one of the NFL’s hottest teams, and they need to take advantage of these “easier” games in order to strive for the AFC South crown.
Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
- If the Chiefs lose this game, they are officially eliminated from the playoffs. This game is incredibly important for the Chargers as well, as they continue to cement themselves into an AFC Wildcard spot with a win. However, I think the Chiefs find a way to win and take the first step in silencing some of the doubters.
Arizona Cardinals (3-10) @ Houston Texans (8-5)
- Houston’s defense is on another level this year, which was especially evident after picking off Mahomes three times in Arrowhead on Monday night. Arizona is probably a better team than their record indicates, but I think this Texans defense controls the game and Houston wins.
Cleveland Browns (3-10) @ Chicago Bears (9-4)
- I’ve heard it’s supposed to be in the single digits for temperature in this game, which sounds quite terrible to play football in if you ask me. I think the Bears take it to the Browns in this game, and pick up their tenth win of the season.
Washington Commanders (3-10) @ New York Giants (2-11)
- We can officially write this game off as a game that doesn’t matter in the slightest. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, and their records truly indicate what type of season it’s been for both teams. This was honestly a coin flip game for me, but I will take the Commanders.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) @ Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
- The Eagles are in the midst of a mighty skid, but luckily they have a “get-right” game against the worst team in the NFL. I think the Eagles win by a few touchdowns, and if they don’t, I can see them making some major changes, either to the roster or the coaching staff.
Indianapolis Colts (8-5) @ Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
- You may have heard rumblings about the Colts’ roster changes lately, but in case you did not, San Diego Chargers legend PHILIP RIVERS is returning to play for the Colts. He’s 44 years old. He hasn’t played football in HALF A DECADE. Maybe he really misses playing football, or maybe he just needs a break from his ten children. I think the Seahawks win by 100.
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) @ Denver Broncos (11-2)
- This is a potential Super Bowl matchup, and Mile High Stadium will be ROCKING to watch these two powerhouses collide. Denver is a home underdog, which I always love choosing in these tight games. I think the crowd and their defense gets the better of Jordan Love, and the Broncos win a close one.
Tennessee Titans (2-11) @ San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
- Are the Niners the quietest 9-4 team in the NFL? I think so. I constantly forget that their record is so good, and it’s looking to improve again as they get to face the Terrible Titans in Week 15. Niners pick up their tenth win of the season.
Carolina Panthers (7-6) @ New Orleans Saints (3-10)
- The Panthers continue to amaze me. Through 14 weeks in the season, they are still above .500! They have a legit chance to win the NFC South, especially with two upcoming matchups against the Bucs in the coming weeks. I think they beat the Saints here.
Detroit Lions (8-5) @ Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
- Another chapter in the Jared Goff/Matthew Stafford Bowl! The Rams have debatably the best offense in the NFL, while the Lions seem to struggle to stay healthy as the season drags on. I think the Rams win at home, but I expect there to be fireworks in this game.
Minnesota Vikings (5-8) @ Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
- Dallas is technically still alive in the NFC East race, but they need to win out in order to keep their division hopes alive. They tend to play very well at home, and their defense is continuing to play well as the season goes on.
Miami Dolphins (6-7) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
- The Steelers are off of a massive road win against Baltimore to take the lead in the AFC North. If Aaron Rodgers can continue to stay healthy, and DK Metcalf and TJ Watt are good enough to go in this game, I think the Steelers pick up a Monday Night Football win to inch closer playoff inclusion.
BETS (24-17 Overall)
Bengals/Ravens Over 51.5 Points
Kyle Monangai Anytime TD (+135)
San Francisco 49ers -12.5
FANTASY
Last Week’s Pick: Jameson Williams (13.80 points)
I think Brock Purdy is a great start this week, as he takes on the Titans defense.
See you next week!