NFL Week 14 picks

Cincy could clinch a division and some wildcard potentials are at stake.  This is the home stretch of the season, where every game counts.

Thursday - Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns:  Well, for heaven's sake, given the problems of the Browns, the Steelers SHOULD be able to end their losing streak.  Even without Troy Polamanu, the defense should frustrate Cleveland.  STEELERS, 23-10

Sunday early games:
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs:  Both of these teams are struggling, but the Chiefs have more problems.  They seem confused on both offense and defense, while the Bills woes are dropped passes and turnovers.  At least the Bills might get some of their problems ironed out.  BILLS, 23-20

Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots:  This should be a good chance for New England to reverse their slide, as the Panthers are hurting.  However, Carolina can still be dangerous, so this will be another uncomfortably close game.  PATS, 20-16

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings:  Ooh, this should be interesting!  The Bengals defense is tough, and could give the Vikings fits.  Cincy is looking to clinch the AFC North title, and they'll know (based upon Thursday's result) if they need this win to do it.  They will battle hard.  I think Minnesota will have the ball late in the game with a slight lead, and look to run down the clock.  If they can, and don't turn over the ball, they can win.  If they give Cincy the chance to get into field goal range, they're in trouble.  VIKINGS, 27-26

Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts:  This game will test just how improved the Broncos are!  Again, I think this will be a close game, which Indy has favored this year.  If Denver can get into field goal late in the game, they might give the Colts their first loss of the season.  COLTS, 22-20

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens:  Baltimore will strive to keep their playoff hopes alive as their defense shuts down the Lions.  RAVENS, 17-6

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears:  The Pack want revenge for earlier in the season, when the Bears came into Lambeau and beat the Packers.  With the problems the Bears are having, both on offense and defense, they should be able to do that.  PACK, 27-13

Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars:  Here's an interesting match-up.  The Jags would seem to be favored due to their record, but they have allowed more points than they've scored.  While Miami has done so as well, their margin is much smaller.  I actually think Miami's wildcat offense might get past the Jack Del Rio defense.  If the Jags do figure out a means to beat it at halftime, though, the Jags could come back to win in the fourth.  DOLPHINS, 23-20

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons:  The Falcons seem to be on the skids.  If they reverse that, they can challenge New Orleans, but I think the Saints will remain perfect and knock the Falcons nearly out of the playoff picture.  SAINTS, 34-14

New York Jets at Tampa Bay Bucs:  The Jets may be getting back on track, as Mark Sanchez gains an understanding of NFL defenses.  The Bucs are shot.  JETS, 27-13

Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans:  Seattle's offense is too inconsistent to get past a decent defense like that of the Texans.  TEXANS, 20-16

Sunday late games:
San Diego Chargers at Dallas Cowboys:  Both teams have division title consequences.  The Chargers want to remain ahead of the Broncos, while the Cowboys need to win to try to regain the lead.  This will be a hard-fought game, but I like the offense of the Chargers.  This is an efficient and working offense.  Dallas makes too many mistakes and drops too many passes to compete effectively with a good offense.  CHARGERS, 28-23

St Louis Rams at Tennessee Titans:  Geez, it's the Rams.  No contest.  TITANS, 26-6

Washington Redskins at Oakland Raiders:  Could Bruce Gradkowski be turning around the Raiders?  It looks like it.  The Redskins have been massive underachievers for most of the year, only getting up for stiff competition.  Despite the Raiders' victory over Pittsburgh last week, they aren't viewed as a strong contender, so the Redskins won't be ready.  RAIDERS, 16-10

Sunday evening - Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants:  This NFC East contest has major divisional title implications.  The winner could hold tiebreaker advantage over the other in this tight divisional race.  The Eagles are on a tear right now, and offensively flying.  The Giants defense is still struggling, so I like the Eagles to win in an offensive battle.  EAGLES, 34-27

Monday Night Football - Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers:  The NFC West title could be on the line, especially if Seattle loses to Houston.  San Francisco's defense is good, but their offense has been spotty.  I like what Kurt Warner and company can do, and they no longer get frustrated and force plays if they've had some "three and out" drives.  That patience will pay off.  CARDS, 23-16