It’s time for Chick’s Picks! Last week, I went…it doesn’t matter what I went! STOP LIVING IN THE PAST. We’re on week 14 now of Chick’s Picks keep up. Let’s get into it, tons of good games this week, a lot of hard games to pick!
Cowboys @ Bears
The Chicago Bears (6-6) are hosting the Dallas Cowboys (6-6) in our week 14 Thursday Night Football game. I wish the Bears would just roll over and die already. The Raiders have the Bears first-round pick from the Khalil Mack trade and they just won’t lose for out benefit. Probably the most annoying thing I’ve seen. Don’t get it twisted though, their defense is winning all of their games. That offense just looks bad. Sure, they’re putting points up on the board, it just doesn’t look like a good offense, mostly because of Mitch Trubisky. Their defense will need to carry this team again to a win.
That might be hard this week against a good Cowboys offense. Jason Garrett or not, this team is still a good football team. Dak Prescott is still average at least and with their offensive weapons like Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliott, this team can score on anyone. They had a hard time with the Bills last week, but the Bills offense is better than the Bears and they should be able to handle it. The defense doesn’t have to do much to stop Mitch, but their offense will need to be able to put up enough points. If the Cowboys lose this game, Jerry Jones won’t have to fire Jason Garrett, Cowboy fans will kill him.
Final Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 20, Chicago Bears 16
Colts @ Buccaneers
The Indianapolis Colts (6-6) are being hosted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) in this matchup. This is a weird game. The Colts have a good team but are in a bit of a funk right now. They’ve lost 4 of the last 5 games and are on the outside looking in for the AFC playoffs. This is a must-win game to still be one of the favorites to make the playoffs. However, with Marlon Mack and T.Y. Hilton still struggling with injuries, this offense doesn’t have much talent elsewhere. That’s the root of the Colts problems and it has been costly.
The Buccaneers have had a couple of good games, not at the expense of Jameis Winston because he is a bust, but at the expense of the defense. Their defense has been one of the better run defenses this year, but their pass defense was horrible but is improving. If TY Hilton doesn’t play, the Colts WRs are less than desirable and could poise to be a favorable matchup for the Bucs. If Jameis Winston takes care of the ball and just doesn’t throw INTs for funsies, this team will win.
Final Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35, Indianapolis Colts 27
Dolphins @ Jets
The Miami Dolphins (3-9) are traveling to New York to take on the Jets (4-8) in this AFC East matchup in week 14. ZzZzZzZzZz…This is week 14 snoozefest of the week. After the Jets absolutely dismantled the Raiders, they lose to the Bengals (????). This team has no idea what the hell they want. They don’t know if they’re tanking or trying to win. The only bright spot on that team is Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell. Other than that, that roster is pretty bad.
The Dolphins are also a team that doesn’t know if they want to win or tank. They beat the Eagles last week. Not to discredit the Dolphins for winning but what the hell were the Eagles doing? The Dolphins have been playing hard for their coach and the improvements are there. With the draft this year, everyone is expecting them to draft a QB. They fill some holes and get the right QB, this team can make some improvements next year. I cannot figure out the Jets nor the Dolphins, but I liked how the Dolphins played last week. I’d like to see them win again for the hell of it.
Final Prediction: Miami Dolphins 23, New York Jets 21
49ers @ Saints
The New Orleans Saints (10-2) are hosting the San Francisco 49ers (10-2) in week 14 and what could be an NFC Conference Championship preview this year. Plenty of good games this week, and this is just one of them. The 49ers were looking at the top and still kind of do after their loss to the Ravens. That game was a nasty game and could be very different under other circumstances. This offense is very versatile and the ball can go many different ways on the 49ers offense. While that isn’t good for fantasy, it’s great if you want to win. There’s no clear one guy the ball should go to and that is what makes this offense so dangerous. Their defense is one of a kind too as they are able to hold most offenses from scoring a lot of points. This team is one of the best and should be treated as such.
But that doesn’t mean that the Saints shouldn’t be treated the same way. After really only one bad loss against the Falcons, this Saints team is good enough to play and beat anyone. Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas are a helluva big 3 for that offense. Their defense is also one of the best with Cam Jordan. He has had a career year in sacks and is at 13.5 for the year. For the secondary Marshon Lattimore is one of the best in the league right now. With those two leading the defense this team can bang with anyone. I like the 49ers in this game regardless but I have to mention the tradition to pick against the Saints for my boy Dan Louis. I haven’t picked against the Saints because I think they’ll lose for a while now. This is the first time in forever that I think they will actually lose. This will be a game to watch for sure.
Final Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 31, New Orleans Saints 26
Lions @ Vikings
The Detroit Lions (3-8-1) are being hosted by the Minnesota Vikings (8-4) in this NFC North matchup in week 14. The Lions are sneakily one of the better teams in the league, but a couple of bad losses and injuries doesn’t show that. Their record is misleading but this team will be a great team…next year. For now, it’s good to just try to get better each week. This time they have the Vikings. The Lions have some good WR that will give the Vikings trouble especially with the resurgence of David Blough.
Throw into the fact that Dalvin Cook might not play this week is another factor in this game. Although Alexander Mattison has shown he can hold his own, he’s no Dalvin Cook. The good news is that Adam Thielen is looking to play this week which could help the Vikings if Cook was to not play. This game could be closer than what is expected, but that all depends on Kirk Cousins, if he doesn’t play well this week then the Lions could sneak one away. I am trusting Kirk Cousins (am I really saying that) to win this game, but barely.
Final Prediction: Minnesota Vikings 31, Detroit Lions 24
Broncos @ Texans
The Denver Broncos (4-8) are traveling to Houston to take on the Texans (8-4) in this game. Drew Lock played great last week. Although the Chargers practically beat themselves last week, let’s not discredit Drew Lock on his performance. He doesn’t have any other WRs to throw to other than Courtland Sutton but apparently that is all he needs. This defense is still a good defense and still could put some scare into people. The plan for the Broncos should be to upgrade that offense in the offseason to give Lock more weapons. This will be a hard game for the Broncos, but it is winnable. The Texans defense isn’t the best and if they can score on it, they have a chance.
The problem for the Broncos will be to contain Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins. Arguably the best QB-WR duo in the league. Outside of Hopkins, there’s talent but not enough to put some scare into people. IF Drew Lock can play like he did last week and the defense can do their part, it’s not out of reach to say the Broncos can win. Do I think they will? No, stopping Watson and Hopkins is not as easy as it sounds. Deshaun Watson is elite and has won with less and this team is clicking right now. Hell, they just beat the Patriots. Deshaun Watson is elite and will score on anyone. If the Broncos can’t stop Watson, they shouldn’t feel bad about themselves because not many defenses can. This game has the potential to be a close one. I’m interested to see how Lock does again this week.
Final Prediction: Houston Texans 23, Denver Broncos 19
Redskins @ Packers
The Green Bay Packers (9-3) are hosting the Washington Redskins (3-9) in this matchup. The Washington Redskins have had two wins against the Lions and the Panthers, but their reign of terror ends here. Despite the lack of talent on the roster, Dwayne Haskins, Derrius Guice, and Terry McLaurin are all bright spots moving forward. This is a good core to build around and could prove to be really good in years to come.
But this week they play a good team in the Packers. They had two ugly losses against the Chargers and the 49ers, but other than that this team has been able to handle business. With Aaron Jones is finally the RB that Aaron Rodgers never had and at least a better defense than usual, the Packer have been able to win games. Despite this might be the worst receiving core that Rodgers has seen outside of Davante Adams. That is a big need for them next season but other than that, this team can play with anyone. The Packers should easily beat the Redskins this week, one of the few gimmies this week as far as picks go.
Final Prediction: Green Bay Packers 34, Washinton Redskins 17
Bengals @ Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals (1-11) are being hosted by the Cleveland Browns (5-7) in this AFC North matchup for week 14. CINCINNATI WON A GAME. The only time I picked this team to win was against the Steelers and the Steelers had plenty of injuries. They were close that game but I didn’t think they’d win last week. They beat the Jets and I thought the Jets would be rolling after they thrashed my Raiders. Good for the Bengals, but now, GET BACK INTO THE LOSING COLUMN, well maybe.
I never know with the Browns. They have been playing better than the start of the year but I still have my doubts. The Steelers were without Juju and James Connor and the Browns still lost. In fact, the Browns have one of the best rosters on paper, they just have been a huge disappointment. Last week was the week to win for the Browns, but they’re virtually out of the playoffs now. They’ll win this game but unless some AFC teams lose this week, the Browns are done for, thus being the conclusion of a very disappointing season.
Final Prediction: Cleveland Browns 27, Cincinnati Bengals 16
Ravens @ Bills
The Baltimore Ravens (10-2) are traveling to Buffalo to take on the Bills (9-3) in week 14 in what could be the AFC Conference Championship preview. Both of these teams are rolling right now. But none more than the Baltimore Ravens, especially MVP candidate Lamar Jackson. This season he has been virtually unstoppable to contain. He’s not the best thrower but his legs mask that. His ability to run keeps defenses on edge so that he is able to make those throws. But so far, I have yet to see a defense stop this man and even though the Bills have a great defense, I don’t think they can stop him either.
I have doubted the Bills offense since the start of the season because of the lack of big names on that roster. But every week they do just enough to get the job done. This Bills team is probably the biggest surprise of the year and I don’t know anyone that is mad about it. The Bills want to win this game to have a shot at taking the Patriots AFC East crown, but it will be hard to do. The Bills will probably lose but this team is legit and very very young, they could be the team to beat in the AFC East after Brady retires.
Final Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 26, Buffalo Bills 17
Panthers @ Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons (3-9) are hosting the Carolina Panthers (5-7) in this NFC South game in week 14. This game really has no playoff implications but has a chance to be a real good game with plenty of highlights. It is also going to be the first game since Ron Rivera got fired. It’ll be interesting to see how the Panthers adjust without him. Of course, Christian McCaffrey is always good TV. He can do it all and is one of the best RBs in the game right now. Other than that, there’s not much going for this Panthers team as they look to be heading towards a small rebuild.
The Falcons looked like the worst team in the league a month ago, and then just started winning games like it was normal for them. Since their 3 wins, they’ve slowed down, but their offense is still as electric as ever. I expect a barn burner in this one of just offenses duking it out. If your team isn’t playing and just want big highlights, this might be the game for you. However, with a new interim coach, on the road, in a division game, in Atlanta? Hard conditions for the Panthers are making me choose the Falcons for this game.
Final Prediction: Atlanta Falcons 37, Carolina Panthers 33
Chargers @ Jaguars
The Los Angeles Chargers (4-8) are being hosted by the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) in this AFC week 14 matchup. Talk about a matchup for disappointments. Not only was the Jaguars themselves unimpressive, but so was their supposed savior in Nick Foles. However, with the demise of Nick Foles, a blessing in disguise came about in Gardner Minshew. In fact, Minshew is back at the helm for the Jaguars as it gives them the best chance to win. He has a rapport with these receivers and if Leonard Fournette decides to try, this team is average at least.
On paper, this Chargers team should be fighting with the Chiefs right now. That’s one of the reasons why I liked them before the season. With a combination of injuries and overall bad play, things could not have gone worse for the Chargers. Philip Rivers is seemingly playing his last games with the Chargers, and I’m not sure I would trust Tyrod Taylor to lead the Charge (get it). On paper, this team should beat the Jaguars no question, but with how they’re playing, expect another disappointing loss for the Chargers.
Final Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars 21, Los Angeles Chargers 17
Chiefs @ Patriots
The Kansas City Chiefs are traveling to New England to take on the Patriots (10-2) in week 14 in what could be another AFC Championship preview. I HATE BOTH OF THESE TEAMS. I hate the Chiefs because they’re in the Raiders division, and I hate the Patriots because of the infamous tuck rule, and just because I do. My analysis for this week? Tie. Don’t care how it happens, just make it happen. Just kidding. This game, on paper, should be a really good game. However, it’s how both teams come to play. The Chiefs have a great offense vs the Patriots stout defense. That battle could be really good.
The other battle is obviously the Chiefs porous defense vs the stagnant Patriots offense. The Chiefs offense has too many weapons to be stopped, I have that over the Patriots defense. As much as it pains me to say (it doesn’t) Tom Brady is declining, and this Chiefs defense has some momentum while the Patriots offense does not. I like the Chiefs on both sides of the ball. Patrick Mahomes puts the league on notice for beating the Patriots and people lose confidence in the Patriots. To add insult to injury, the Bills are coming for that crown Patriots, watch out.
Final Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 27, New England Patriots 23
Steelers @ Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals (3-8-1) are hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) in this game. I really don’t care what the Cardinals record is, I love this offense. This offense can score on anyone. If they had any type of defense, the NFC West would be the most competitive division in the NFL. It’s exciting to be a Cardinals fan as Kyler Murray is ballin’ out. The Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray were destined to be together. If the Cardinals can upgrade their defense they will be scary.
However, all they can do is score right now, then that might not be enough to stop Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Fun fact: He is a World Champion is Duck calling and that is how he got his nickname. However, he seems to be a pretty good QB too I guess. He played well against the Browns without James Connor and Juju. He is an immediate upgrade over Mason Rudolph and the hype will continue around Duck as the Steelers beat the Cardinals. With this win, the Steelers are also poised to have a great shot at a playoff berth.
Final Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 30, Arizona Cardinals 23
Titans @ Raiders
The Tennesse Titans (7-5) are being hosted by the Oakland Raiders (6-6) in this key game that could help decide the AFC Wild Card in week 14. Sigh. So, this is how it is to be a Raiders fan: You win a couple of games, you get excited, then the Raiders disappoint you by getting blown out twice. It’s almost as embarrassing as not making your significant other orgasm. Sorry, I’m going through some things. Anyway, the Raiders looked like they had it all. But this team was bound to disappoint me sooner or later. They need to lick their wounds and prepare for the red hot Titans next. Someone on the Raiders offense, other than Josh Jacobs & Darren Waller, needs to step up. That includes Derek Carr, a favorite of mine. I don’t care if you stink in cold weather, figure it out for God’s sakes. This offense can be too predictable because of the dependency on Waller and Jacobs. With Hunter Renfrow out, this offense needs a WR, like Tyrell Williams HELLO, to step up. The Raiders could still make the playoffs even if they lose this game, but they’ll need to win out and need some help getting there.
I expect them to lose against the RED-HOT Titans. Newton’s first law of motion – sometimes referred to as the law of inertia. An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion. Right now, no one is stopping the Titans, at least not the Raiders anyway. This team is moving behind Ryan Tannehill (TanneGOAT). Their defense has been underrated all year and now with a decent QB, this team is winning and well on their way to a playoff berth. Derrick Henry is silently having an MVP season but not getting recognized for it. Even though the Raiders have the 12th ranked rushing defense in terms of yards, Henry is poised to have a big day against the lost Raiders.
Final Prediction: Tennessee Titans 31, Oakland Raiders 3 (just kidding) 21
Seahawks @ Rams
The Seattle Seahawks (10-2) are traveling to Los Angeles to take on the Rams (7-5) in an NFC West Sunday Night Football game for week 14. The Rams are on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. While their down year is a surprise to most people, anyone that could realize that Jared Goff sucks, knew this could happen. Luckily, the Rams are loaded with talent and still could get in. Their trio of WRs is one of the best in the league with Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Brandin Cooks. Todd Gurley hasn’t played the best but Sean McVay can keep this offense moving.
The Seahawks have a worse team but are a better team. No, that doesn’t make sense but it does at the same time. The Seahawks, on paper, have a worse team than the Rams, but they play substantially better than the Rams. That all starts from Russell Wilson. Other than Wilson, Chris Carson, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett, who else is on that offense? There’s a reason that the Seahawks are 10-2 and about 90% of that reason is Russell Wilson. The guy is insane. I don’t think the Rams could stop him. The Seahawks are on a roll, and unfortunately, the Rams desperation won’t be enough to stop them.
Final Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 31, Los Angeles Rams 27
Giants @ Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles (5-7) are hosting the New York Giants (2-10) in this NFC East game on Monday Night Football in week 14. I didn’t expect the Giants to win against the Packers, but I surely expected them to play better than they did. This team just isn’t that good, despite having the generational talent that is Saquon Barkley. Sure, we knew that they were rebuilding but they need to make some strides here in playing better.
Speaking of playing better, the Eagles need to play better. I don’t care how bad you are in a funk, you just don’t lose to the Dolphins. No offense to the Dolphins, they DESERVED that win after how the Eagles played. The wild thing is that Eagles can still make the playoffs even though they don’t deserve it. This is a winnable game for the Eagles (hopefully). If they won last week, and win this week while Dallas lost to the Bills and could lose to the Bears, they’re in 1st place of the NFC East. But now, things just got a lot harder for them to win. The Eagles control their destiny and they’ll need to win out to give them the best chance, and that includes their matchup with Dallas. I don’t care how bad the Eagles receiving core is. This is a MUST-WIN game or you can kiss your playoff hopes goodbye, Philly.
Final Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles 28, New York Giants 20
