NFL picks Week 14: Falcons-Panthers and every other game

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers free safety Thomas DeCoud (21) defends in the third quarter. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL playoff race is heating up entering Week 14. Here’s this weeks picks.

Hopes and dreams of reaching the postseason are rising and falling for a number of different teams, and we enter a huge Week 14 set of games. Last week, I went 13-3 in my weekly picks, with upsets to Chicago and New England hurting my win column.

There are some big games taking place this week. Outside of the Atlanta Falcons’ visit to Bank of America Stadium to play the undefeated Carolina Panthers, there are some interesting contests. The Steelers hit the road to take on the Bengals in what could be the game of the week. All lines are provided by OddsShark.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (-8.5)

The Falcons (6-6) have slipped into a five-game losing streak and this is not the week they turn it around. The Panthers (12-0) have the defense to come up with takeaways, slow down Devonta Freeman and make life difficult for Julio Jones. I’m not so sure the Falcons can slow down Cam Newton, either.

Pick: Carolina 27, Atlanta 14

Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals (-7.5)

Arizona (10-2) could be the best team in football, and while Minnesota (8-4) is a talented team, we saw last week how they struggle when Adrian Peterson is taken out of the equation. The Cardinals defense is good enough to slow Peterson down, and the offense will do the rest.

Pick: Arizona 34, Minnesota 20

Next: Early games