NFL Week 14 Preview

With the NFL season coming to a close, there is no shortage of meaningful games from week to week. There a few division races that are far from over, and no wild card spot is safe. This might be the best lineup of games we have had thus far. This week I want to highlight 3 division games, as well as a duel of the top 2 picks of the 2016 draft, that will have a big impact on the playoff picture.

The Must See Games of the Week

#1: Eagles vs Rams

Last year, it seemed like the L.A. Rams made a big mistake picking Jared Goff instead of Carson Wentz with the #1 pick that they traded for. Goff completed 54.6 percent of his passes, threw more interceptions than touchdowns, and posted a 0-7 record. This year, it is a different story. Although Goff still doesn't quite reach Wentz's level, it is a slim difference. Of course Goff isn't the only player on the team. Todd Gurley is probably the MVP of this team, leading the league in all-purpose yards. And this defense isn't talked about enough. The Rams rank in the top 10 in points allowed, passing yards allowed, sacks, and takeaways. This is a very good football team. They could be scary in the playoffs if the pressure doesn't get to them.

Despite their loss to the Seahawks, I still think the Eagles are the best team in football. I don't necessarily think they will win the Super Bowl, but I don't think there is a better roster in the game. Carson Wentz is the likely MVP. Tom Brady might be the only one in his way. The Eagles also have two bruising runners and the best run defense in the league. This dominance in the running game is what I believe will win this game. If Gurley gets shutdown early and the Eagles take an early lead, this could be Eagles all the way to the end.

Outcome: Eagles win 24-20

#2: Ravens vs Steelers

This rivalry is arguable the best in recent history. For many years, it seemed like you were guaranteed two fantastic defensive battles between the Ravens and Steelers every season. Right now, although they are in playoff position, the Ravens don't look too good, while I would say the Steelers are one of two good teams in the AFC. However, this game could resemble a classic Ravens-Steelers game.

The Ravens have only their defense to thank for their current record. The defense is 3rd in points allowed, 4th in passing yards allowed, and 1st in takeaways. The Ravens have also recorded 3 shutouts. There have only been 4 other shutouts all year. The problem is that this offense is awful. Baltimore has one of the worst passing attacks in the NFL, and a mediocre running game. Minus a couple blowouts like last week, they aren't scoring a lot of points. But as long as the defense plays like they have, they can win games.

The Steelers' defense might be just as good, but the tragic injury to their cornerstone, Ryan Shazier, will be a big hit. The Steelers do have an amazing offense, when they play well. Fortunately for the Ravens, the Steelers are hit or miss. They have barely scraped by, or lost, against the Browns, Bears, Colts, and the Rodgers-less Packers. The Steelers are usually a better team than Baltimore, but I think they come out on the wrong side of this rivalry on Sunday Night.

Outcome: Ravens win 16-12

#3: Saints vs Falcons

The NFC South is probably the most interesting division in the NFL. There is still a 3-way race for 1st place, and there is a chance that all 3 of those teams will be in the playoffs. Oddly enough, despite being 2 games back in their division, Atlanta can control their own destiny. Atlanta's remaining 4 games are all division games, including 2 against the Saints. If the Falcons win out, they would guarantee a tie or lead at the top of the South. By winning all 4, they would also secure tiebreakers over both the Saints and Panthers. It is also worth noting that Atlanta has beaten Seattle, Detroit, Green Bay, and Dallas, giving them the head-to-head tiebreaker over all of the top wild card contenders. So, Atlanta's route to the playoffs is paved, but can they find their way?

The road starts with a pretty huge bump, the New Orleans Saints. Defensively, these two teams are about as even as it gets. The Saints have allowed 1 less point, 4 less rushing yards, and have one more sack. However, the Saints separate themselves with their offense. Both the Falcons and Saints have a duel threat in the backfield with a terrific passer alongside them. But the Saints have the better duo and the better QB. Atlanta may have the home-field advantage, but that doesn't seem to help them as they are only .500 at home.

Outcome: Saints win 27-20

#4: Raiders vs Chiefs

If I told you before the season started that the Raiders and Chiefs would be tied at the top of the division going into this game, you probably wouldn't be all that surprised. But you would probably wouldn't believe me if I told you that the loser of this game would fall under .500. Well, that's where we are right now. It really didn't seem like we would be here when these two played in Week 7. Going into that game, the Chiefs had just lost their first game of the season to the Steelers, while the Raiders had just dropped their 4th in a row. What followed was one of the best games of the year, and the Raiders swung momentum in their favor. Since then, Oakland hasn't exactly taken off, but Kansas City has continued one of the most epic collapses in recent memory.

Last week's game against the Jets pretty well represents the Chiefs' season. The game started off pretty good for the Chiefs, but it didn't take long for it to go South. The game culminated with the Jets' final scoring drive where the Chiefs shot themselves in the foot multiple times and ultimately, lost the game. I know that this is a good team, but it is hard to see them recovering when you watch games like that.

The Raiders are not playing great, but it feels like just about anybody can beat the Chiefs right now.

Outcome: Raiders win 28-23

The Lesser Games of the Week

Bills over Colts

Bengals over Bears

Packers over Browns

Cowboys over Giants

Lions over Buccaneers

Vikings over Panthers

Texans over 49ers

Jets over Broncos

Titans over Cardinals

Chargers over Redskins

Jaguars over Seahawks

Patriots over Dolphins