Ramblin’ Fans NFL Week 14 Picks and Predictions

Dec 2 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out in the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Buccaneers 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 14 is set to kick off on Thursday Night Football with an AFC West showdown between the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders.  I know what you are thinking, the Broncos have already won the AFC West while the Raiders may be playing for a top 5 draft pick, this game wont be worth watching right?  If you like to watch strong quarterback play this game has some potential, of course Peyton Manning is playing at an MVP level but Carson Palmer has also shown some flashes of pro-bowl level play if he could just cut down on the turnovers.  This game may also feature the return of one of the more dynamic playmakers in the NFL in Darren McFadden.  Last weekend I went 10-6 and am happy to say I was wrong about the Rams prediction, hopefully I don’t continue that trend this weekend.

Broncos @ Raiders. Peyton Manning has been playing lights out lately as he has become more comfortable with his teammates.  The Raiders have the ability to generate some points and turn this thing into a shootout, but can they close the deal?  Broncos win 31-27.

Rams @ Bills. The weather may become a factor in this game, but it looks like it may favor the road team if it does.  Each team can run the ball well enough to minimize poor weather, but only the Rams have the QB with the arm strength to drive the ball to his receiver in bad weather.  That and the Rams have a solid advantage on defense, which should score again this weekend, and special teams.  Rams win23-13.

 Cowboys @ Bengals.  St. Louis Rams fans should be rooting for the Bengals in this battle of two teams on the playoff bubble.  The Bengals have been on a roll lately, while the Cowboys barely escaped against the Eagles last weekend.   Bengals win 24 – 17.

Chiefs @ Browns.  In what happens to be the only NFL game this weekend with zero playoff implications, the young and improving Browns will lean heavily on their rookie QB and RB to claw out a victory at home.  The Chiefs played inspired football last weekend in the aftermath of a tragedy and should put up another good fight this weekend. Browns win 17 – 10.

Titans @ Colts.  The Colts are looking to secure their spot in the playoffs and with a win could also ensure they finish the season with a winning record.  Andrew Luck has done a great job of putting this team on his shoulders and playing them into the playoffs, even if his statistics aren’t as eye popping as RGIII’s he has been impressive this season. Colts win 24 – 10.

Bears @ Vikings.  With the news that Percy Harvin has been placed on IR it has now become official that Adrian Peterson is 100% of the Vikings offensive gameplan.  If the Bears can stop Peterson from having a big day they should win fairly comfortably, if it were only that easy.  Bears win 27 – 14.

Eagles @ Bucs. The Bucs are still clawing for that last wild card spot in the NFC as they will host the Philadelphia Eagles who are currently riding the longest losing streak of Andy Reid’s tenure there.  St. Louis Rams fans should root for the Eagles in this game, but its just hard to imagine they can pull off the upset.  Bucs win 21 – 17.

Ravens @ Redskins.  The Ravens will host the surprising Redskins and rookie phenom RGIII in a game with high stakes from Rams fans.  Not only are the Redskins now competition for that final wild card spot in the NFC, but every time they win the first round draft pick we will receive from them gets lower and lower. Ravens win 30-27.

Falcons @ Panthers.  I think I read somewhere that a Panthers player was quoted as saying “We are better than the Falcons”.  That is funny because 11-1 is better than 3-9.  Of course 12-1 is even better than 3-10.   Falcons win 27-13.

Jets @ Jaguars.  Technically this game has playoff implications as the Jets are clinging to relatively the same slim playoff hopes that the Rams opponent, the Buffalo Bills, are holding onto.  Jaguars have shown some spark with Henne under center and could surprise the Jets and wipe them out of the playoff conversation.  Jaguars win 17 – 13.

Chargers @ Steelers.  The Chargers have never won in Pittsburgh, ever.  How is that for crazy meaningless stat of the week?  Steelers are a well coached veteran team fighting for a playoff spot, the Chargers are about to be completely overhauled this offseason.   Steelers win 20 – 10.

Dolphins @ 49ers.  Following their previous 2 losses and 1 tie on the season, the 49ers have outscored opponents by a total of 79-13.  Meanwhile the Dolphins just placed Jake Long on IR which could mean another good game for Aldon and Justin Smith.  49ers win 31 – 10.

Cardinals @ Seahawks.  Brandon Browner will be serving the first game of his 4 game suspension for violating the leagues PED policy.  With the Cardinals naming John Skelton as their starter for this trip to Century Link Field, the Seahawks may not miss Browner much.  Seahawks win 21 – 13.

Saints @ Giants.  This game could be a real barn burner, and if it wasn’t for the Monday Night game I might say that it will be the best game of the week.  The Giants are struggling to hold onto the NFC East title and need to win this game as their schedule doesn’t include many “easy” games.  The Saints aren’t mathematically eliminated from the playoffs yet and will come to New York desperate for a win.   Giants win 28 – 26.

Lions @ Packers.  The Lions have disappointed this season following their 10-6 campaign last year.  The Packers have struggled through a laundry list of injuries with a chance to win the NFC North and possibly even secure a first round bye.  The Packers may build an early lead and then hold off the typical late game surge of the Detroit Lions.   Packers win 27 – 23.

Texans @ Patriots.  This game is going to be billed as a potential AFC Championship game preview, and well it quite possibly could be except that this time it will be played in New England.  The Patriots have the best offense in the league while the Texans boast the most complete team in the league.  The Texans can do it all and do it well, sort of reminds me of those Patriots teams that actually won Superbowls.   Texans win 21-16.

Week 14 Matchups

Pick

Broncos @ Raiders

Broncos

Rams @ Bills

Rams

Cowboys @ Bengals

Bengals

Chiefs @ Browns

Browns

Titans @ Colts

Colts

Bears @ Vikings

Bears

Eagles @ Bucs

Bucs

Ravens @ Redskins

Ravens

Falcons @ Panthers

Falcons

Jets @ Jaguars

Jaguars

Chargers @ Steelers

Steelers

Dolphins @ 49ers

49ers

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Seahawks

Saints @ Giants

Giants

Lions @ Packers

Packers

Texans @ Patriots

Texans

Last Week

10-6

Overall Record

122-69-1