Blogging Dirty’s NFL Week 14 Picks and Predictions
By Ryan Jackson
1:00 PM – CBS Slate
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills (+2)
The Steelers have been quite the off-and-on team this year, but were certainly on while holding the New York Giants to 14 points last week. The Bills had a strong first half against a great Raiders team, but gave up 29 unanswered points in a 38-24 loss.
The Bills are still as pesky as ever this year. Buffalo may not firmly in the playoff race but are still in the hunt. Look for Rex Ryan try and get after Ben Roethlisberger and stop Antonio Brown. The Steelers’ defense will attempt to contain Tyrod Taylor and a strong rushing attack led by LeSean McCoy.
(Our prediction: Steelers win 27-20, Steelers cover)
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (-6)
In the second viewing of their AFC South matchup, Brock Osweiler attempts to lead his new team to victory against Andrew Luck at LucasOil Stadium. The Texans have been playing strong without star lineman JJ Watt this season and currently hold the division tiebreaker
This game has big playoff implications and will be a good fight. The Colts come carry some momentum following a strong, 41-10 beat-down of the New York Jets. The Texans suffered a 21-13 loss in snowy Green Bay last week.
(Our prediction: Colts win 31-28, Texans cover)
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans (-1)
Led by rookie QB Paxton Lynch, the Broncos took a 20-10 victory against the lowly Jaguars last week. The task is more difficult this week as Denver takes on a more serious AFC South contender. The big question is whether or not Lynch will be Denver’s starter or will Trevor Siemian return?
The Broncos need all hands on deck, especially on defense, as they combat second-year man Marcus Mariota. The Titans pack a power offense and seem to be finding their way. Tennessee is fighting for a playoff during NFL Week 14 and will leave it all on the field today in Nashville.
(Our prediction: Titans win 28-27, Broncos cover)
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (+5.5)
The Bengals brought it to the Philadelphia Eagles last week, securing a 32-14 win at home. While they are not forcefully entrenched in the playoff hunt, they aren’t fully out of it, with a 4-7 record.
The perennial dumpster fire continues in Cleveland, as the Browns search for their first win. The bigger issue is who plays quarterback in Cleveland? The 0-12 Browns have been playing for next season since Week 1, and they will continue to take stock in their rookies and recent acquisition.
(Our prediction: Bengals win 27-20, Bengals cover)
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (-7.5)
Many expected the Bears to improve after a decent 2015 from Jay Cutler. Instead, 2016 has been big regression by way of injuries and poor QB play. With Cutler done for the year, Chicago looks to journeyman Matt Barkley for leadership and a strong finish.
The Lions have been impressive this year and completely own the 4th quarter. Detroit continues to lean heavily on Golden Tate and Marvin Jones to help QB Matt Stafford on the way to victory. Look for the Detroit secondary to make quick work of Barkley on Sunday. Defensive lineman Ziggy Ansah should have no problem beating up the Bears’ makeshift offensive line during NFL Week 14 action.
(Our prediction: Lions win 34-10, Lions cover)