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NFL Week 14 predictions
USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 14 predictions

Intrigue at the top of the NFC defines Week 14, as the Eagles continue their west coast trip against the Rams, with a loss potentially knocking them out of the conference's top spot. Minnesota, meantime, gets a chance to flex its muscle against a second straight NFC South opponent when it heads to Charlotte to face off with the Panthers. The AFC picture is a little clearer at the top, with the Steelers and Patriots on a Week 15 collision course. Both teams can, however, clinch their divisions with wins this week. Kansas City, after looking like a lock to win the AFC West after five games, suddenly finds itself tied for first with Los Angeles and Oakland and struggling for answers. Looming over everything is the fallout from last Monday's Steelers-Bengals game, one that saw Ryan Shazier suffer a frightening injury, and JuJu Smith-Schuster receive a controversial one-game suspension after knocking out Vontaze Burfict with a block.

 
1 of 16

New Orleans (-1) at Atlanta

New Orleans (-1) at Atlanta
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET (NFL Network)

The Saints appear to have taken control of the NFC South, with a functional two-game lead over Carolina. One more victory, especially with Carolina facing a tough test against Minnesota, would put the Saints in prime position to sew up the division and guarantee at least one home game in the post-season. Atlanta was suffocated by the Vikings last week, and they enter Week 14 on the outside looking in in the NFC. The Falcons, despite their current predicament, have a chance to turn things around in short order. They see the Saints twice in three weeks, and end the season against Carolina, with what should be an easy win against Tampa Bay their only other contest. Win out, and there's a very good chance they could end up stealing the division. Matt Ryan's charges seemed to be getting things on track before they ran into Minnesota. The question now is whether or not they can regain their footing against a Saints team that has run the ball impressively for two straight months, and played mostly good defense, to boot.

Pick: Saints

 
2 of 16

Indianapolis at Buffalo (NO LINE)

Indianapolis at Buffalo (NO LINE)
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Bills aren't dead yet when it comes to the playoffs, with three of their last four games, including this one against Indianapolis, filed in the "winnable" category. Buffalo would benefit greatly if Tyrod Taylor is able to go in this one, but if he isn't, they'll have to rely on their defense and LeSean McCoy to carry the day. Nathan Peterman doesn't appear close to being able to make a truly positive difference for the team, and if he has to play, even Indy's woeful defense may be able to match up favorably against him. The Colts have not beaten a good or even average team all year. Their wins over Cleveland, San Francisco and a Deshaun Watson-less Texans team rank as three of the least impressive in the league this year. Indianapolis struggles to do much of anything well on both sides of the ball, though Jacoby Brissett may have a big play or two in him. If Taylor plays, the Bills should churn out a win. If Nathan Peterman goes, all bets are off.

Pick: Bills

 
3 of 16

Chicago at Cincinnati (-6.5)

Chicago at Cincinnati (-6.5)
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Fresh off another bloodbath--in a typical losing effort--against the Steelers, Cincinnati needs to win out to have even a slight chance of sneaking into the playoffs. They'll have the services of safety George Iloka, whose helmet-to-helmet hit on Antonio Brown resulted in a suspension that was reduced to a fine on Wednesday. One would think that the Bengals are playing for Marvin Lewis' job, but Lewis has escaped the chopping block so many times that trying to predict his future is something of a fool's errand. Cincy's defense, which got strafed in the second half by Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, should find the going a little easier against Mitch Trubisky and the Bears. The rookie quarterback hasn't found much success this year and already Bears fans are thinking about who would be a good choice to coach the team in 2018, because unlike Bengals fans, they know John Fox won't be around next season.

Pick: Bengals

 
4 of 16

Green Bay (-3) at Cleveland

Green Bay (-3) at Cleveland
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

This game would appear to be one the Browns have a decent shot at winning. If it was one week from now, when Aaron Rodgers is eligible to return, Cleveland would be in deep trouble. Brett Hundley followed up his strong game against Pittsburgh with a poor effort against the Bucs. Hundley failed to reach 90 yards passing for the game, and was bailed out by the Pack's defense and running game throughout the contest. The Browns certainly aren't impressive, and there exists the very real chance that they will go 0-16, but this one sets up pretty nicely for them. Green Bay needs this game to have a chance at sneaking into the playoffs, assuming Rodgers can help them run the table when he returns. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the winning recipe for Cleveland is simple to say, yet agonizingly difficult to put into practice. If the Browns can avoid turning the ball over, something they've only done once in 12 games so far, they have a real chance to win. If not, 0-13 beckons. The suspicion here is that they finally get one in the win column.

Pick: Browns

 
5 of 16

Oakland at Kansas City (-4)

Oakland at Kansas City (-4)
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

No team has fallen as far and as fast as Kansas City. The Chiefs were flying high when they met the Steelers in Week 6, and since that loss, they've gone 1-5 and have done virtually nothing to signal that better times are ahead. Kansas City finally got going on offense against the Jets, but their defense betrayed them, giving away a 14-point lead and allowing the Jets to tally 38 points in all. Worse still, Andy Reid suspended the Chiefs' best cover cornerback, Marcus Peters, after a tantrum that saw him throw an official's flag into the stands and leave the field despite not actually being ejected. Oakland, on the other hand, has a major opportunity in front of them. Already owning one win over the Chiefs, the Raiders can deal them a major blow with another victory. Oakland doesn't have any great victories this year, especially since the Chiefs have come thudding back to earth, but they have a chance to make a statement and keep the pressure on the Chargers. It's tempting to pick Kansas City, but they can't be trusted.

Pick: Raiders

 
6 of 16

Dallas (-4) at New York Giants

Dallas (-4) at New York Giants
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Let's check in on the Giants. Ben McAdoo--fired. Geno Smith--benched. Eli Manning--back in the saddle. It has been a tumultuous 10 days for one of the league's glamour franchises, but their problems run deeper than a bad head coach and drama at the quarterback position. Former GM Jerry Reese was fired for assembling a roster that afforded Manning little chance to win, and those players are all still in place for right now. It's actually somewhat curious that the Giants are going back to Manning, unless they don't think Davis Webb would gain anything by playing. If that is the case, what was the point in drafting him in the third round? In any event, things are a mess in New York, and not a whole lot better in Dallas, where the Cowboys are still on the fringes of playoff contention, but still have two games to make up and several teams to leap past. Plus, Jerry Jones has to be steamed, because Roger Goodell just got his contract extension finished, and will be around at least until 2024. Dallas should win this one, but the game itself will be ugly.

Pick: Cowboys

 
7 of 16

Detroit at Tampa Bay (NO LINE)

Detroit at Tampa Bay (NO LINE)
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

The Lions had a chance to go into Baltimore and make a statement, and got flattened instead. Detroit doesn't have any tiebreakers, so winning out seems a prerequisite for them to have a chance at the playoffs, and even that might not be enough. Tampa Bay should be ripe for the picking though, even at home. The Bucs did a great job of completely stifling Brett Hundley last week, but still couldn't do enough to pull out a victory. Matthew Stafford--should he be able to play--is worlds better than Hundley, and the Lions will doubtless be looking to save face after their performance in Baltimore. Tampa Bay's schedule is brutal the rest of the way, with all three of their NFC South brethren remaining after this game. It is very possible that Dirk Koetter's team could finish 4-12, which would increase the frequency and intensity of the calls for his job. If Stafford goes, Detroit wins. If not, the Bucs could get it done.

Pick: Lions

 
8 of 16

Minnesota (-2.5) at Carolina

Minnesota (-2.5) at Carolina
Daily Advertiser-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Vikings have a chance to grab a second straight impressive road win over an NFC South opponent. Whereas the Eagles were unable to beat Seattle on the road, Minnesota suffocated Matt Ryan and the Falcons, and will look to do the same with Cam Newton and Carolina. Newton and Ryan present very different sets of challenges, but on balance, the Panthers have fewer weapons than do the Falcons. What Carolina does have is a stout defense, one that should be able to keep the Vikings in check, and keep this game low-scoring. Minnesota didn't sack Matt Ryan, but they did do a phenomenal job of holding Julio Jones down, limiting him to two catches for 24 yards. Newton's versatility and ability to make plays on the run or when things break down is an added wrinkle for the Vikes to account for. Christian McCaffrey continues to come along, especially as a pass catcher, and Devin Funchess remains an inviting target downfield. Minnesota hasn't lost in over two months, but that will change on Sunday.

Pick: Panthers

 
9 of 16

San Francisco at Houston (-3)

San Francisco at Houston (-3)
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Not a whole lot of interesting stories in this one, though Jimmy Garoppolo's continued development in the 49ers' system is easily the most intriguing thing to watch for. The Texans' season was dealt a death blow when Deshaun Watson went down, and everything that has happened since has merely served to further the notion that he is, by orders of magnitude, the most important player in their franchise. San Francisco doubtless was encouraged by Garoppolo's ability to pull out a crunch-time win over the Bears last week, and now the next step will be seeing if he can pay off more drives with touchdowns. The Niners rolled up a more than respectable 388 yards of offense against the Bears, but came away with only fifteen points to show for it. All of San Francisco's field goals came from inside of 35 yards, which meant that they were in the red zone plenty, but couldn't capitalize. If they're able to cash in with more regularity this week, it's doubtful Houston will keep up.

Pick: 49ers

 
10 of 16

New York Jets (-1) at Denver

New York Jets (-1) at Denver
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)

Is Todd Bowles doing a good job or a bad job this year? If you're a Jets fan and you wanted to see what seemed like a bad team on paper more or less tank for a high draft pick, you're probably very unhappy with the team's respectable 5-7 mark. If you're the kind of fan that never wants to see your team lose, even if it might be in their best interest, you're probably thrilled that Bowles has coaxed five wins out of this team, and probably had an upset over New England ripped away by some questionable officiating. The Jets won't make the playoffs, thanks to a rough schedule after this game, and an existing hole too deep to dig out of, but they would have been a very pesky first round test for someone if they were able to get in. As for Denver? There isn't much to say about one of the sorriest teams in the league this year. They might win this game, simply because playing in Denver, at altitude, is inherently difficult, but I wouldn't count on it. 

Pick: Jets

 
11 of 16

Tennessee (-3) at Arizona

Tennessee (-3) at Arizona
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Titans might be the least impressive 8-4 team in the league. They've found ways to win, yes, but haven't had what anyone would term a truly resounding win since their victory over the Seahawks in Week 3. Marcus Mariota has been mediocre, and while Derrick Henry has impressed, nothing Tennessee does offensively seems all that imposing. Right now they carry the dubious distinction of, "team that everyone wants their team to see in the playoffs." Arizona is, like so many other teams at this point in the season, a full-on also-ran. If the Cardinals play a bad team, they can win. If they play a good team, they stand little chance. Tennessee is a mediocre team with a good record, so something has to give, right? Arizona might pull the upset, but even if they don't, this one carries with it the stench of a close, ugly game.

Pick: Cardinals

 
12 of 16

Washington at Los Angeles Chargers (-6)

Washington at Los Angeles Chargers (-6)
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)

The Chargers are red hot, going 6-2 in their last eight games after starting the season 0-4. Los Angeles feels like the smart pick to win the AFC West, in what would be one of the most shocking worst-to-first turnarounds to happen within the same season. The Chargers have piled up yardage the last three weeks, haven't turned it over in that stretch, and have turned very stingy on defense. They can't run the ball very well, but the way Philip Rivers is throwing it, they might not need to. Washington got drubbed by Dallas, extinguishing their playoff hopes in everything but the mathematical sense, and are by and large too beat up to pose any real threat. Kirk Cousins has been good enough that he might make this one interesting and surprisingly close, but who does he have as a viable target? And how on earth will his offensive line protect him? Cousins has been sacked 35 times this year. Los Angeles has racked up 35 of their own as a team, with Joey Bosa leading the way at 11.5. He's doubtless licking his lips for this one to kickoff. 

Pick: Chargers

 
13 of 16

Philadelphia at Los Angeles Rams (-2)

Philadelphia at Los Angeles Rams (-2)
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)

The Eagles failed part one of their west coast swing, though losing in Seattle is never cause for great shame. Carson Wentz still managed to make a few jaw-dropping plays, and the game could have been much closer, especially with Philly outgaining the Seahawks 425-310. That having been said, it doesn't get any easier for Philadelphia, as they take on a Rams team looking to make a big statement, and playing in a building where they haven't lost since October. Both teams have big-time disruptive forces up front, and plenty of offensive weapons to complement their quarterbacks. This game and Carolina versus Minnesota are the two best of the week, but if I could only watch one, this would be it. The Rams having Robert Woods back would be a big boost, but even with him out, they still have Todd Gurley, Sammy Watkins and the fast-rising Cooper Kupp. There is plenty of offense on both sides, but the Rams might have the best defensive player in the league in Aaron Donald. He will make the difference.

Pick: Rams

 
14 of 16

Seattle at Jacksonville (-2.5)

Seattle at Jacksonville (-2.5)
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)

Seattle got a gut-check win over Philadelphia thanks to a resilient defense and the wizardry of Russell Wilson, who has inserted himself near the top of the MVP race. Now, though, the Seahawks have to travel across the country to face a totally different style of offense, and a fast, aggressive defense that should be able to both get after Wilson and stick to Seattle's receivers in the secondary. The Seahawks have no traditional running game to speak of, and will have to avoid a letdown after the emotional high that followed last week's win. Jacksonville's loss two weeks ago to Arizona still doesn't make much sense, but aside from that, the Jags have chugged along with the same formula; hammer teams with their running game, and blanket them defensively. Jacksonville is the rare team athletic enough to have a real chance of hemming Wilson in and managing to bring him down when they have a chance. Sometimes an obvious letdown game proves to be just that. This is one of those times.

Pick: Jaguars

 
15 of 16

Baltimore at Pittsburgh (-5)

Baltimore at Pittsburgh (-5)
David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

The Steelers somehow found a way to dig deep and rally after Ryan Shazier's chilling injury against Cincinnati, scoring 13 fourth-quarter points to stun the Bengals. A win against Baltimore will give them the AFC North title, and a near stranglehold on a first-round bye, as well as a good shot at home field advantage throughout the playoffs--though Jacksonville does loom, already possessing a victory over the black and gold. Baltimore is becoming a trendy pick to make some noise in the AFC, and they won't be cowed by the task of going on the road to face an elite opponent. Joe Flacco is starting to play better, but with no Jimmy Smith, is it reasonable to expect the Ravens to slow down the Steelers, especially with Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and Ben Roethlisberger all playing at an extremely high level? The Ravens might make noise if they do get into the playoffs, but they won't find a way to beat a Steelers team that will be playing for Shazier, and brimming with emotion.

Pick: Steelers

 
16 of 16

New England (-11.5) at Miami

New England (-11.5) at Miami
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Something tells me that the suits at ESPN wish they had, say, Baltimore and Pittsburgh instead of this game. Miami is no good, and the Patriots, even without the suspended Rob Gronkowski, are on a major roll. Looking at this game, it is impossible to think of one way in which the Dolphins could realistically make life difficult for Tom Brady and the Pats. Sure, Brady looked like a mere mortal against Buffalo, but New England simply turned to Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead, who helped them churn out 191 yards on the ground to make up for it. Miami's five-game tailspin only stopped because they were lucky enough to see Denver, maybe the league's most pathetic outfit this side of the Browns. The truly shocking development in this one would be the Dolphins scoring more than 20 points on a New England team that hasn't allowed any opponent to reach that number since Week 4. Don't worry though, because it won't happen. New England wins, and big.

Pick: Patriots

Chris Mueller is the co-host of The PM Team with Poni & Mueller on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan, Monday-Friday from 2-6 p.m. ET. Owner of a dog with a Napoleon complex, consumer of beer, cooker of chili, closet Cleveland Browns fan. On Twitter at @ChrisMuellerPGH – please laugh.

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