Week 14 NFL Preview

Last week's top games us some surprises along with more of the same. The more of the same coming in the form of the Colts handling their business again this week and stopping the Titans winning streak under QB Vince Young. The Colts looked balanced on both sides of the ball and kept the Titans' offense in check. The Colts now stand only four games away from a perfect regular season. Despite their struggles after a 5-0 start, the Giants know they can still take care of the Cowboys, which they did again this past week. It was another close one, but the change of venue did not change the result and the Cowboys have now been swept by the struggling Giants. It also opens the door for the Giants as they scrap to make the postseason.

In what many might view as an upset, the Cardinals manhandled the Vikings and gave them their second loss of the year. It was an eye opening game for the Vikings as they struggled after a season of much success especially on offense. They will have to overcome all the problems of this past week fast. The Cardinals, though, proved again that they are certainly not a flash-in-the-pan team as they have won big games more than once this year. On Monday night, two hungry teams entered looking to continue their recent success and it was the Packers that outperformed the Ravens in a primetime battle. Green Bay got it done on both sides of the ball and continue to show improvement especially when it comes to protecting their QB.

In other action, the Patriots tripped up again this week and fell to the Dolphins late. This team is not efficient as they used to be on offense and on defense they are struggling to slow teams down. And speaking of struggling to stop teams, the Steelers again let a winnable game get away as they fell to the lowly Raiders late. While the Saints needed a few miracles and missed kicks to survive a scare from what looked like a dangerous Redskins team. The once dominant Saints showed some cracks and almost had a major let down after that big win on Monday against the Patriots.

All and all, I went 10-6 last week and brings my total to 145-47 after thirteen weeks.

Now for Week 14:

Games of the Week:
Bengals at Vikings: The Vikings got kicked in the mouth last week against the Cardinals. They now have to turn their attention to a team that has risen to the upper echelon of the NFL this year. This one features two premiere teams who are looking towards the postseason and this would be an important win for both teams. Pick: Vikings

Chargers at Cowboys: It's December and the Cowboys find themselves in a familiar position: a loss already and a tough game ahead. The Chargers might be the hottest team right now and have won seven straight now. This one could be a close tough one or a long day for Dallas. I expect the former. Pick: Chargers

Sunday Night: Eagles at Giants: The Giants beat Dallas last week and now give Philadelphia at home. This one is almost a must win for them if they are to stay relevant in December. The Eagles can start to put some distance between them and Dallas with win in addition to the Giants. Pick: Eagles

Monday Night: Cardinals at 49ers: How will the Cardinals play after a big win last week against a tough divisional opponent? This one is bigger for the 49ers as they would love to extend the division race another week and keep themselves alive. Whomever turns it over less and controls the 4th quarter will probably win this game. Pick: Cardinals

Rest of the pack:
Thursday Night: Steelers at Browns: The Steelers have lost four in a row now and get another lowly team in the 1-11 Browns. The Steelers have owned the Browns in recent years and one would think they solve their problems this week. If not, they are all but out of the playoff race. Pick: Steelers

Saints at Falcons: The Saints survived last week and get a tough divisional opponent who are fighting for their playoff lives. Should be a closer one then most think. Pick: Saints

Packers at Bears: The Packers are hitting a nice groove with QB Aaron Rodgers finding targets everywhere while QB Jay Cutler is always scrambling around and turning the ball over. The Packers' defense will keep the heat on Cutler all day. Pick: Packers

Broncos at Colts: Can the slumping Broncos knock off the Colts? The Colts have had the Broncos number in both the regular season and postseason in recent years. Pick: Colts

Bills at Chiefs: These two offenses have had more bad days than good days. The better offense, oddly enough, will win the game. I've seen more out of the Bills lately. Pick: Bills

Panthers at Patriots: Super Bowl XXXIX rematch. Both are struggling this year. The Panthers are starting to improve on offense under QB Matt Moore while the Patriots are in the midst of a two game losing streak; something they haven't seen in a few years. The Patriots will come prepare this week. Pick: Patriots

Jets at Buccaneers: The Jets and QB Mark Sanchez are still in the playoff hunt and this a winnable game for them. They should fix some of their occasional errors against a bad defense. Pick: Jets

Dolphins at Jaguars: These two teams are neck and neck right now and the winner takes a big step toward a possible playoff spot. The loser might struggle in a close race for spots. Pick: Dolphins

Lions at Ravens: Expect the Ravens to score quite a few points if they are clicking. Pick: Ravens

Seahawks at Texans: The Texans are back to playing almost meaningless games again, but will come to play against a team in Seattle that is good enough to upset them. Pick: Texans

Rams at Titans: These two met in the Super Bowl close to a decade ago with the Rams getting the win...by a yard. The Titans are a much better team this time around and HB Chris Johnson could put up 200 yards this week. Pick: Titans

Redskins at Raiders: Both teams overall have played bad, but have also had their moments and their upset wins. Now they are almost playing a shadow of themselves. Both are destined for losing seasons. Who wants a win more? Pick: Redskins

Many teams will be tested this week and the results could dictate the rest of the year and the postseason.