Playoff races are tightening here down the stretch. Lets see what Week 14 in the NFL has in store!
Once again, the New Orleans Saints have suffered a slew of injuries, coupled with coaching issues which makes it no surprise what this season has come to. Now the walking wounded host the Carolina Panthers in their second matchup of the season. New Orleans took the first meeting on the road and now look to sweep the season series. Both teams are struggling, but both will be scratching and clawing to win this game, especially the Saints, who will not only fall out of the race for the NFC South with a loss, but may also suffer an implosion in a loss to the NFL’s worst team.
Let’s take a look at all of the crucial matchups in the league this week as we enter the final stretch of the 2023 NFL season.
Last week I went 8-5
I told you so: Texans over Broncos!
What do I know: Jets over Falcons?
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WEEK 14
Thursday, December 7th – Thursday Night Football
Patriots(2-10) at Steelers(7-5)
Pittsburgh’s defense will face no challenge against the New England offense here. Pittsburgh wins 20-7.
Pick: Steelers
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Sunday, December 10th – Early Games
Buccaneers(5-7) at Falcons(6-6)
This game may ultimately determine the NFC South title, as an Atlanta win puts them firmly above the rest of the division, while a Tampa Bay win puts the Bucs in a dead heat with the Falcons atop the pitiful division. Baker Mayfield has proven to be the best quarterback in the division and he will be the key player in this razor-close battle for the NFC South. Tampa Bay wins 20-17.
Pick: Buccaneers
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Rams(6-6) at Ravens(9-3)
Lamar Jackson will outduel Matthew Stafford in the air in this convincing Baltimore victory. Baltimore wins 32-13.
Pick: Ravens
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Lions(9-3) at Bears(4-8)
Detroit’s rushing attack will bulldoze the Bears in Chicago. Detroit wins 41-22.
Pick: Lions
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Colts(7-5) at Bengals(6-6)
A little Minshew magic helps Indy stay above Cincy in the AFC Wild Card race. Indianapolis wins 27-21.
Pick: Colts
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Jaguars(8-4) at Browns(7-5)
Following a devastating loss on Monday Night, Jacksonville pulls out a close win against Joe Flacco and the Browns in Cleveland. Jacksonville wins 22-20.
Pick: Jaguars
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Texans(7-5) at Jets(4-8)
CJ Stroud has another big day for Houston against the grounded Jets. Houston wins 24-17.
Pick: Texans
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Panthers(1-11) at Saints(5-7)
Divisional rival or not, if you can’t beat the worst team in the NFL this week, you may have already won your last game this season. Saints win 24-19.
Pick: Saints
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Sunday, December 10th – Late Games
Vikings(6-6) at Raiders(5-7)
Minnesota is winless since beating the Saints on November 12th. Sounds about right. The Raiders will now be next in line to hand them another loss. Las Vegas wins 28-14.
Pick: Raiders
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Seahawks(6-6) at 49ers(9-3)
Following a dominant win in Philly, the Niners will continue to roll against their NFC West rivals. San Francisco wins 30-14.
Pick: 49ers
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Bills(6-6) at Chiefs(8-4)
With yet another chance to prove he belongs on Patrick Mahomes’ level, Josh Allen will remind everyone why he’s not on Patrick Mahomes’ level. It will be close, but a costly turnover by Allen will be the difference in this one. Kansas City wins 40-37.
Pick: Chiefs
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Broncos(6-6) at Chargers(5-7)
In a battle of Denver’s rushing attack against LA’s passing attack, the Broncos win out in the end. Denver wins 27-24.
Pick: Broncos
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Sunday Night Football
Eagles(10-2) at Cowboys(9-3) – Game of the Week
This NFC East showdown will ultimately comedown to the Dallas defense coming up with the big play to seal the win, coupled with the Philly defense faltering for a second-consecutive game. Dallas wins 34-27.
Pick: Cowboys
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Monday, December 11th – Monday Night Football Doubleheader
Titans(4-8) at Dolphins(9-3)
Miami’s offense has been shining in the spotlight all season, and yes, they will be great again here, but their defense will look just as amazing in this one. Miami wins 35-3.
Pick: Dolphins
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Packers(6-6) at Giants(4-8)
Green Bay will run the ball at will against this awful Giants defense. Green Bay wins 30-13.
Pick: Packers
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There it is, Week 14 of the NFL season. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!