Thursday, December 8, 2022

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

Once again this week, there are some big games in the NFL that will have very big impact as far as post-season possibilities are concerned. 

The Buffalo Bills (9-3) host the New York Jets (7-5) and will be looking to avenge a tough loss to the Jets last month. The Bills have moved back into first place in the AFC East and also are back on top of the entire AFC chase. The Jets lost a close game in Minnesota last weekend and are just 2-3 since their fast start this season. The Bills should prevail in this one, but it will not be an easy one. 

The Philadelphia Eagles are 11-1 and have been rolling all season long, including last week's 35-10 beat down of the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, the New York Giants (7-4-1) are in a funk, having lost three of their last five games, which includes a tie against Washington last week. Philadelphia has a top flight offense and defense, which should make the difference in this game. The Giants have been pretty solid on defense all season, but their offense has been sputtering, including their running game. Philly should get the road win in what could be a game that goes down to the wire. 

 

How about the game between the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers? The Ravens will most likely be without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson and that does not bode well against a good defensive team like the Steelers (5-7), who will be looking for their third straight win and fourth in the last five games. If rookie QB Kenny Pickett can keep Pittsburgh's offense moving, look for the Steelers to get this win at home. 

The San Francisco 49ers (8-4) have won five in a row and should make it six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. The Bucs (6-6) won in dramatic fashion against New Orleans on Monday night, but now face an extremely good defense that will keep pressure on QB Tom Brady. San Francisco will go with reserve QB Brock Purdy, who did a good job coming off the bench when starter Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a broken foot in the first quarter last week. It will likely be a close game, but the 'Niners should come away with the victory. 

The Sunday night game features the Los Angeles Chargers (6-6) for the third time in the past five weeks as they now face the Miami Dolphins (8-4) in L.A. in what is a must win for the 'Bolts. The Dolphins got popped in the mouth last week in San Francisco and it was the first time this season QB Tua Tagovailoa struggled. Meanwhile, the Chargers lost to the Las Vegas Raiders and their offense was very ineffective as QB Justin Herbert was constantly pressured. If Miami's suspect defense can do the same, then the Dolphins will be in business. Look for a high scoring game with the Dolphins winning a tight one. 

One other note is this is the final time teams will get a bye week, which includes six teams for Week Fourteen. The rest of the action is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

 

Las Vegas (5-7) at L.A. Rams (3-9) - The suddenly surging Raiders face a depleted Rams team in what should be an easy night in Tinsel Town for them. 

Cleveland (5-7) at Cincinnati (8-4) - Joe Burrow and the Bengals are rolling and will look to avenge an embarrassing loss on Halloween night to the Browns.  

Houston (1-10-1) at Dallas (9-3) - The Cowboys should roll big time in this one. 

Minnesota (10-2) at Detroit (5-7) - Beware of the Lions, who have been playing very good football for the last five weeks. The Vikings cannot afford to fall behind in this one. 

Jacksonville (4-8) at Tennessee (7-5) - The Jaguars always seem to give the Titans fits and this one should be more of the same. Toss up here. 

Carolina (4-8) at Seattle (7-5) - The Seahawks need to win this game to stay on pace to make the NFC playoffs. No excuses. 

Kansas City (9-3) at Denver (3-9) - The Chiefs lost last weekend and are no longer the top seed in the AFC . . . but the Broncos are the second worst team in the AFC. 

New England (6-6) at Arizona (4-8) - The Monday night game featuring a Patriots team that really needs to win out if they want to make the playoffs. Cardinals have nothing to lose and could very well relish playing the spoiler role the rest of the season. 

 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fourteen  . . . . . . . . .    (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS

 

Las Vegas over L.A. Rams 

Buffalo over N.Y. Jets 

Cincinnati over Cleveland 

DALLAS over Houston 

Detroit over Minnesota 

Philadelphia over N.Y. Giants 

Pittsburgh over Baltimore 

Tennessee over Jacksonville 

Seattle over Carolina 

San Francisco over Tampa Bay  

Kansas City over Denver 

Miami over L.A. Chargers

Arizona over New England  


Last Week's Record - 13-1-1 

SEASON RECORD - 122-71-2 

Lock of the Week Record - 11-2 


 

 


 







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