Thursday, December 5, 2024

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

 

Thursday night in Detroit gets things started for Week Fourteen around the NFL as the Lions host the Green Bay Packers in what will be a huge game in the NFC North race. The Lions (11-1) have won ten straight games and beat the Packers (9-3) last month in Green Bay, 24-14 with the defense scoring a touchdown via the "pick six" to seal the win. And with the Minnesota Vikings (10-2) sandwiched in between these two teams in the division battle, neither one can afford to lose this game. The Lions have some injuries on the defensive line and Green Bay has secondary players with injuries, so that could factor in the final outcome. But the Lions should roar once again in Motown.

 

On Sunday, it could very well be a tale of how the West (division) was won in both conferences. The Seattle Seahawks (7-5) take on the Arizona Cardinals (6-6) in the desert and with a win, Seattle could be well on their way to the division crown as they defeated Arizona (16-6) just two weeks ago. The Cardinals have lost two in a row following a four game win streak to fall into a second place tie with the Los Angeles Rams and need the win to get back into a playoff spot as well. This one will be close, no doubt about it. This time around, the Cards and QB Kyler Murray find the end zone often enough to get the win.

The AFC West could be won by the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) once again on Sunday night when they host the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) in the "prime time" game. Back in October, the Chiefs edged the Chargers, 17-10 en route to a 9-0 start this season. The Chargers defense has been playing tremendous and last week intercepted four passes, including a "pick six" by rookie defensive back Tarheeb Still in a 17-13 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs are getting healthy while the Chargers are somewhat banged up (their top rusher J.K. Dobbins is out this week with a knee injury) so the edge goes to the home team to wrap up another division crown. 

The rest of the action for this week is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 


New Orleans (4-8) at New York Giants (2-10) - The Giants are a train wreck. Take the Saints. 

Cleveland (3-9) at Pittsburgh (9-3) - The Browns will not be sneaking up on the Steelers this time around.

Atlanta (6-6) at Minnesota (10-2) - Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins returns to battle his former team and it will likely result in the continued free fall for the Falcons. 

Las Vegas (2-10) at Tampa Bay (6-6) - The Bucs should get their third straight win in this one. 

Carolina (3-9) at Philadelphia (10-2) - The Panthers have been playing much better football in recent weeks, but this week they are facing the extremely hot Eagles, seeking their ninth consecutive win. 

Jacksonville (2-10) at Tennessee (3-9) - Who cares? 

New York Jets (3-9) at Miami (5-7) - It's do or die from here on out for the Dolphins . . . The Jets are done this season. 

Buffalo (10-2) at Los Angeles Rams (6-6) - This game could be a tight one and don't be surprised if the Rams come out with the win. 

Chicago (4-8) at San Francisco (5-7) - The Bears have a new coach for this one and the 49ers are drowning in a sea of injuries, including so many key players. Take the Bears. 

Cincinnati (4-8) at Dallas (5-7) - This game could possibly set a record on Monday Night Football for scoring by both teams. Toss up in this one with each team getting more than 30 (possibly 40) points. 


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


Detroit over Green Bay 

New Orleans over N.Y. Giants 

Pittsburgh over Cleveland 

Minnesota over Atlanta 

Tampa Bay over Las Vegas 

PHILADELPHIA over Carolina 

Tennessee over Jacksonville 

Miami over N.Y. Jets 

Arizona over Seattle 

L.A. Rams over Buffalo 

Chicago over San Francisco 

Kansas City over L.A. Chargers 

Cincinnati over Dallas

 

Last Week's Record - 13-3 

SEASON RECORD - 131-64

Lock of the Week Record - 10-3

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