2012 NFL Picks, Every Game: Week 14
NFL Week 14 previews and predictions for every game on the schedule:
Broncos (9-3) at Raiders (3-9)
Denver MVP candidate Peyton Manning had his best game of the season against Oakland in Week 4, throwing for a season-high 338 yards, three TDs and zero INTs during a 37–6 win that pulled the Broncos back to the .500 mark with a 2–2 record. Manning lost to Tom Brady’s Patriots the following week, but has reeled off seven straight wins since then.
Broncos by 10
Ravens (9-3) at Redskins (6-6)
The hits keep on coming for Robert Griffin III. After making his four-TD Thanksgiving debut, RG3 shined under the lights in his first appearance on Monday Night Football. Up next: The Battle of the Beltway. Since a Week 10 bye, Griffin has thrown for 667 yards, nine TDs and one INT, while rushing for another 185 yards and leading the Skins to a 3–0 record.
Redskins by 2
Cowboys (6-6) at Bengals (7-5)
After throwing nine TDs and 13 INTs with a 3–4 record over his first seven games, Tony Romo has thrown 10 TDs and just two INTs with a 3–2 mark over his last five games.
Bengals by 2
Rams (5-6-1) at Bills (5-7)
St. Louis rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins has scored three TDs — on two pick-sixes and a fumble recovery — over the past two weeks, or as many as Buffalo running back C.J. Spiller has scored over the last 10 weeks this year.
Rams by 1
Eagles (3-9) at Buccaneers (6-6)
Philly puts its eight-game losing streak on the line against a Tampa team that is the definition of mediocre — 3–3 at home, 3–3 on the road.
Buccaneers by 6
Falcons (11-1) at Panthers (3-9)
Atlanta earned a 30–28 win over Carolina in Week 4 thanks to a game-winning FG by Matt Bryant with just five seconds remaining.
Falcons by 8
Chiefs (2-10) at Browns (4-8)
Romeo Crennel returns to Cleveland, where he went 24–40 in four years as the team’s coach. In the four seasons since, the Browns have an 18–42 record (and counting).
Browns by 3
Chargers (4-8) at Steelers (7-5)
With Ben Roethlisberger already sidelined, 2004 draft classmate Philip Rivers will try to avoid a similar fate as he takes on the Steel Curtain without three starting O-linemen.
Steelers by 6
Titans (4-8) at Colts (8-4)
The legend of Andrew Luck grew in Week 8, when Indy pulled off a 19–13 overtime win in Tennessee. But home is where the heart is, as Luck and Co. are 5–1 at Lucas Oil Field.
Colts by 4
Jets (5-7) at Jaguars (2-10)
The Tim Tebow three-ring circus has added a third QB just as Tebow heads back home to Jacksonville. Mark Sanchez and Greg McElroy both played while Tebow watched with injured ribs last week. Who knows which QB(s) will play this week. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are running out of winnable games as they look to avoid the worst season in team history — a 4–12 mark in their inaugural season of 1995.
Jaguars by 1
Bears (8-4) at Vikings (6-6)
Chicago’s O-line could be out for justice against Minnesota sack artist Jared Allen, whose illegal block on guard Lance Louis resulted in a torn ACL during a 28–10 Bears win in Week 12.
Bears by 6
Dolphins (5-7) at 49ers (8-3-1)
Don’t expect Marino or Montana-style passing in this Super Bowl XIX rematch.
49ers by 9
Cardinals (4-8) at Seahawks (7-5)
Arizona got the best of Seattle during a 20–16 win in Week 1. But this game will be played at CenturyLink Field, where the Hawks are 5–0.
Seahawks by 9
Saints (5-7) at Giants (7-5)
The roller-coaster ride season continues for New Orleans. After an 0–4 start, the Saints went 5–1. Since then, Drew Brees and Co. are channeling the Aints, with back-to-back 10-point losses to the 49ers and Falcons. In those games, Brees has thrown a combined three TDs and seven INTs, while taking six sacks.
Giants by 4
Lions (4-8) at Packers (8-4)
The wheels have fallen off for Detroit. The Lions have lost four consecutive contests, including three straight when leading in the fourth quarter with 2:00 left in regulation — becoming the first team to match that streak of collapsing futility since 2000. In Week 11, the Packers saw one such meltdown up close in a 24–20 win.
Packers by 8
Texans (11-1) at Patriots (9-3)
The Pats just locked up their 12th straight winning season by clinching their fourth consecutive division title. Meanwhile, the 10-year-old Texans secured just their second-ever playoff berth. Houston is 6–0 on the road this season, but that perfect streak will be put to the ultimate test in prime time on Monday night.
Patriots by 1
Last week: 9–7 // Season: 129–63
