Week 14 Preview and Predictions (Dec 8-12)

Last week’s record 10-6

Cleveland (4-8) at Pittsburgh (9-3) Thursday Night

The return of Peyton Hillis has lifted the Browns offense.  However the Browns will be playing an inspired Steelers defense.  The Steelers are getting healthy on defense and has been causing turnovers.  The Steelers young receivers have given the team a better balance.  The Steeler will win 28-10.

Indianapolis (0-12) at Baltimore (9-3)

The Colts had their best chance to win last week against the Patriots.  The Ravens have to win to keep pace with the Steelers.  Ray Rice has carried the offense, while the defense has shut down opponents.  The Ravens have to avoid another melt down against a lesser team.  The Ravens win 17-10.

Houston (9-3) at Cincinnati (7-5)

The Texans have won six games in a row and the last three with three different QBs.  TJ Yates looked comfortable in the pocket last week.  The Bengals are in a dog fight for a wildcard spot and have to win to keep their hopes up.  The Bengals have to pressure Yates to win.  The Bengals will win 24-21.

Minnesota (2-10) at Detroit (7-5)

This will be the second game for the Suh suspension, but they should not need him this week.  The Vikings have played well enough to stay in games, but not well enough to win games.  The Lions were not hurt in their pursuit of the playoffs with their loss last week.  The Lions will win 21-14.

Oakland (7-5) at Green Bay (12-0)

The quest for perfection continues for Green Bay.  Oakland is coming in off a disappointing loss to Miami and fell into a first place tie with Denver last week.  Aaron Rodgers dissected the Giants defense last week to put his team into a game winning field goal.  The Packers continues to roll and will win 28-21.

Tampa Bay (4-8) at Jacksonville (3-9)

Jacksonville has already fired their coach and the Buccaneers’ coach is in the last year of his contract.  Both teams have issues at QB.  The Bucs Josh Freeman did not play last week, because of an injury.  The Jaguars rookie QB Blaine Gabbert is still taking his lumps.  The Bucs will win 17-10.

Philadelphia (4-8) at Miami (4-8)

Some believe that the Eagles have quit on Andy Reid this season.  Michael Vick has practiced this week and may be able to play.  Miami has been in all games this year, but have found ways to lose games.  The Dolphins dominated the Raiders last week.  The Eagles will win 17-10.

Kansas City (5-7) at New York Jets (7-5)

The Chiefs picked up Kyle Orton to assist in their playoff push; however Orton hurt his finger and will miss some time.  The Chiefs did not need Orton last week because the defense contained the Bears.  The Jets won at Washington and have started their normal late season run.  The Jets will win 14-10.

New Orleans (9-3) at Tennessee (7-5)

The Saints have a two game lead in their division, but would like to have a bye for the first week of the playoffs and are one game behind the Niners for second place in the conference.  The Titans need the win because they are two games behind the Texans and need to keep place.  Saints will win 27-24.

New England (9-3) at Washington (4-8)

The Redskins played well last week for 3 quarters, but the game is played for four quarters.  The Patriots are in a three way tie for the number one overall seed for the Conference.  Rex Grossman has added some punch to the Redskins offense.  Tom Brady has been surgical of late.  The Patriots will win 28-14.

San Francisco (10-2) at Arizona (5-7)

Despite having a five game lead in the division and with a win San Fran will clinch the Division Title.  Arizona want to keeps its playoff hopes alive.  Alex Smith has been more than just a game manager of late.  The Forty-Niners would like to have a bye for the playoffs.  San Francisco will win 24-10.

Chicago (7-5) at Denver (7-5)

The Bears offense was not there last week and with the loss of Matt Forte for the season, more pressure will fall on QB Caleb Hanie.  Tim Tebow and the Denver defense are on a roll.  The Broncos are in first place and playing for what looked impossible a few weeks ago a playoff spot.  The Broncos win 17-10.

Buffalo (5-7) at San Diego (5-7)

The Chargers looked great on Monday night.  The Bills have lost seven games in a row and are decimated by injuries.  This is a playoff elimination game for both of these teams.  Phillip Rivers finally looked like a former Pro Bowl quarterback against the Jaguars.  The Chargers will win 28-14.

New York Giants (6-6) at Dallas (7-5) Sunday Night

This game means more for the Giants than the Cowboys.  The Giants played well last week, but gave Aaron Rodgers too much time and lost on a last minute field goal.  The Cowboys lost week on a missed last minute field goal.  The Cowboys run game was halted last week.  The Cowboys will win 28-27.

St. Louis (2-10) at Seattle (5-7) Monday Night

This is the type of game most football fans wish that could be changed for a better game.  This game does not have any playoff ramifications.  The loss to the Redskins two weeks ago seriously hurt the Seahawks playoff chances.  However this game will be very competitive.  Seattle will win 28-21.