NFL 2020, Week 14

Hello readers! I’m back with another article where I’ll pick the winner and final score of every NFL game on the schedule for week 14.

As was the case last week, I don’t pick against the spread; I simply give my prediction for the winner and the final score. I do not place any wagers with these; they are for entertainment purposes only.

Tennessee (8-4) at Jacksonville (1-11)… The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost 11 in a row since their season opening win, but they have been giving opposing teams everything they’ve got… including taking the Vikings to overtime last week. The Titans lost to a surging Browns team last week, but I like their chances to get back on track and sweep their division rivals this Sunday in North Florida. Tennessee 30, Jacksonville 16

Minnesota (6-6) at Tampa Bay (7-5)… The Vikings have worked their way back from a 1-5 start to get into playoff contention and will square off against another wildcard contender in the Buccaneers, who are coming off a bye week. This game will have huge implications in the NFC wildcard race. Look for Tampa Bay to bounce back from a stretch that had them lose three out of four games and get the win here at home. Tampa Bay 31, Minnesota 24

Kansas City (11-1) at Miami (8-4)… The Miami Dolphins have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2020 season, as they find themselves in contention for a wildcard spot with the AFC East division not too far out of reach. Their great play on defense has been the difference, but I’m not so sure they can contain Patrick Mahomes and a Chiefs offense which looks to be unstoppable. Kansas City 27, Miami 24

Denver (4-8) at Carolina (4-8)… Neither the Denver Broncos or the Carolina Panthers have much to play for at this point. Denver comes here after losing a close one to the Chiefs, while the Panthers are coming off their bye week. The Broncos do not have an explosive offense and they’ll going to have a hard time keeping up with the Panthers and their playmakers. Carolina 34, Denver 24

Houston (4-8) at Chicago (5-7)… Similar to the game in Carolina, these two are out of the playoff picture… with the Bears now having lost six in a row. Houston is the more talented offense and has played better over the past several weeks, so I’d give them the advantage here. Houston 31, Chicago 17

Arizona (6-6) at NY Giants (5-7)… The Giants pulled off a big upset over Seattle on the road last week and appear set to take control of the weak NFC East division. The Arizona Cardinals are moving in the opposite direction, losing their last three games, and are going to have trouble scoring points against this defense. NY Giants 20, Arizona 16

Dallas (3-9) at Cincinnati (2-9-1)… The Dallas Cowboys could not stop the Ravens, a team that had just been hit hard with a Covid outbreak and were playing on short rest with limited practice time, from gashing them for 300 yards on the ground. Quarterback Andy Dalton may be motivated to prove something to his former team, but he lacks the supporting cast to make that happen. The Bengals aren’t a very good team, but they don’t really need to be this week. Cincinnati 23, Dallas 10

Indianapolis (8-4) at Las Vegas (7-5)… The Las Vegas Raiders almost lost to the winless Jets on Sunday. And they would have lost too, if not for a terrible call from the defensive coordinator on the last play of the game. The Raiders are not quite as good as their record, and are probably a year away from making the playoffs. The Colts have a sound defense and enough playmakers on offense, led by veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers… and they should have no trouble winning this one to keep pace with the Titans in the AFC South race. Indianapolis 38, Las Vegas 24

NY Jets (0-12) at Seattle (8-4)… I’m not going to waste too much time on this one, for obvious reasons. Seattle 31, NY Jets 13

Green Bay (9-3) at Detroit (5-7)… This is the second of two games between these division rivals, with the Packers having taken the first one earlier in the year at Lambeau. Green Bay can clinch the division this Sunday with a win and some help from Tampa. It always seems like there’s fireworks whenever these two meet up, and I anticipate another high scoring affair here. Look for Green Bay to complete the sweep in a shoot-out in the Motor City, as the Lions fall completely out of the playoff picture. Green Bay 35, Detroit 31

Atlanta (4-8) at L.A. Chargers (3-9)… It was bad enough when the Chargers were losing games by repeatedly blowing double digit leads, but it was even worse when they got shut out 45-0, at home, by a Patriots team that is now just a ghost of who they once were. This is undoubtedly coach Anthony Lynn’s last year on the Los Angeles sideline; but the question is… Do the Chargers even let him finish out the season? The Atlanta Falcons lost their season early, but have been playing well under interim coach Raheem Morris. They should pick up the win here. Atlanta 35, L.A. Chargers 24

Washington (5-7) at San Francisco (5-7)… Washington just gave the Steelers their first loss of the season on Monday night. It was truly a statement win, and one of the best games I can ever remember watching. The question now is… How will they answer? They’ll go on the road again to face the 49ers, who are not completely out of the playoff picture just yet. Their head coach, Kyle Shanahan, is very familiar with Washington as he used to call plays for them… and I’m sure he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve. Washington has come a long way, but this just feels like a let-down type of game after that huge win Monday. San Francisco 23, Washington 20

New Orleans (10-2) at Philadelphia (3-8-1)… The Eagles have benched their starting quarterback… it is now Jalen Hurts time in Philly. The Saints are on a roll, they continue to win games with Drew Brees sidelined, and can clinch the NFC South division with a win here Sunday. I expect them to take this one easily. New Orleans 27, Philadelphia 13

Pittsburgh (11-1) at Buffalo (9-3)… The Steelers lost for the first time on Monday, and will look to rebound Sunday night in Orchard Park against the surging Bills. Pittsburgh still has a good defense, and they will need that to slow down Buffalo’s explosive offense. Pittsburgh 24, Buffalo 23

Baltimore (7-5) at Cleveland (9-3)… The Browns have been on fire, winning four straight to secure their first winning season in 13 years. They’ll come back down to earth here at home on Monday night. The Baltimore Ravens are still very much alive in the wildcard race, and their run game and defense will give the Browns more than they can handle. Baltimore 27, Cleveland 23

That's it, folks! Thanks for reading; enjoy the games!