Quick Picks; Week Fourteen
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. As the top teams begin to eclipse double digit wins, the playoff picture becomes clearer. Here are Week Fourteen’s picks.
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (TNF)
With star rookie corner Marshon Lattimore set to return, New Orleans should be able to stymie Atlanta’s offense and take a commanding lead in the NFC South. Mark Ingram and sensational rookie Alvin Kamara should wear the Falcons down on the ground as the Saints continue to march towards the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills seemed to frustrate Tom Brady early last week, but couldn’t keep pace. Buffalo may also be missing quarterback Tyrod Taylor and rookie corner Tre’Davious White, meaning Nathan Peterman would start once again. The Colts have a chance to win against a Bills team that has struggled in recent weeks.
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
With all the upheaval surrounding the Giants after Eli Manning’s benching and the dismissal of Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo, Dallas must take advantage to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. However, the Giants’ still-talented defense may respond better to interim coach Steve Spagnuolo, whilst the return of Manning as the starter could spark an upset.
Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Neither Matthew Stafford or Jameis Winston are likely to be fully healthy, so this could be a mistake-filled slugfest. The Lions lost the right side of their offensive line against the Ravens, so the Buccaneers and their struggling pass rush could get pressure on Stafford. Nevertheless, expect Stafford to drag the Lions to a victory.
Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
Despite losing to the Jets, the Chiefs finally got their offense going again. Unfortunately the defense let them down. Both Kansas City and the Raiders are inconsistent squads with bad defenses. But if the Chiefs can keep their offensive resurgence going, they should win despite suspending star corner Marcus Peters.
San Francisco 49ers @ Houston Texans
The 49ers seem to have found their franchise quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo, but they had to settle for only field goals against the Bears. To win another game, the 49ers must find a way to shut down DeAndre Hopkins and force turnovers from Tom Savage.
Green Bay Packers @ Cleveland Browns
Coming off a win over Tampa Bay, this could be a trap game for the Packers. Winless Cleveland has a solid defense who can put Brett Hundley under pressure, while Josh Gordon can help DeShone Kizer find holes in Green Bay’s secondary.
Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals
Despite facing a bad 49ers defense, Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears managed just 147 total yards. Cincinnati’s defense may be missing some key players, but Andy Dalton and Co. should carve up Chicago’s defense even if Joe Mixon is out.
Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers
What sets Super Bowl contenders apart from other teams is consistency. The Vikings have it, but Carolina does not. Minnesota has enough tools on defense to shut down Cam Newton’s cast while the Vikings’ balanced attack continues at a steady pace.
Washington Redskins @ Los Angeles Chargers
In a blowout loss to Dallas, the Redskins finally succumbed to injuries, especially on the offensive line. Now facing Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, Kirk Cousins will struggle to keep up with Philip Rivers as the Chargers continue to chase a playoff spot.
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos
Denver were embarrassed on both sides of the ball by an awful Dolphins team last week. Now, the hard-fighting Jets come to town. Josh McCown should put up enough yards and points to out-duel whoever is starting for the Broncos, even if Denver’s defense shows up.
Tennessee Titans @ Arizona Cardinals
Despite some lacklustre performances, Tennessee are still tied with Jacksonville for first place in the AFC South. To capture the division, the Titans should really ride Derrick Henry as their lead back rather than forcing DeMarco Murray into the mix. Expect Tennessee’s defense to carry the day against Blaine Gabbert and the Cardinals.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Los Angeles Rams
The Eagles stumbled against Seattle and now face the Rams in a game that could muddy the race for the NFC’s top seed even further. Improvements to Los Angeles’ offensive line will be tested against Philly’s nasty front seven, but the Rams have enough weapons to spread the Eagles out. However, Philadelphia’s secondary could be the difference in a close contest.
Seattle Seahawks @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars desperately need Leonard Fournette to be healthy, otherwise Blake Bortles will be their focal point against a Seattle defense that just humbled Carson Wentz. However, Russell Wilson could struggle to keep his one-man show going against the best defense in the league. The Jaguars could get a statement win against their spiritual ancestor.
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore’s defense finally lived up to the hype and beat a marquee quarterback in Matthew Stafford, yet also failed to stifle Big Ben last time these teams met in October. With Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown hitting their stride, the Steelers should essentially clinch the division with a win.
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
Miami may have blown out the Broncos last week, but cannot hope to hang with a Patriots team this balanced and versatile on offense. Matt Patricia’s defense is in playoff form, allowing just 12 points a game since Week 4. It could be a second blowout for the Patriots in three weeks against the sinking Dolphins.
