Blogging Dirty’s NFL Week 14 Picks and Predictions
By Ryan Jackson
1:00 PM – FOX Slate
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (Pick’em)
In a strange Week 13, the Redskins took a 31-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, a team playing on a second wind. In NFL Week 14 action, Washington squares off against division rival, Philadelphia Eagles. The Redskins absolutely need the win to keep marching toward the NFC Wildcard playoffs.
Rookie QB Carson Wentz clashes with Josh Norman’s Redskins secondary. Expect Kirk Cousins to have a big day against a weak Philly secondary. Also, looking for former Eagle Desean Jackson to have a big day.
The pick’em line is a strange one. The Eagles have floundered in recent weeks while the Redskins have been consistently average.
(Our prediction: Redskins win 31-17)
Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins (-1)
The Cardinals have gone from playoff contender to bottom-feeder after a season of injuries and poor play from Carson Palmer. Last week’s win over Washington does have Arizona flying high, but they meet a young and resurgent Dolphins. Miami will look to get back on track after their 6-game winning streak was snapped in 38-6 loss to the Ravens.
The Cardinals lead a strong defense but Ryan Tannehill at home is the favorite. Look for Jarvis Landry and Jay Ajayi to make some big plays and keep Miami within the Wildcard hunt.
(Our prediction: Dolphins win 27-24, Dolphins cover)
Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars (+3)
No team has been more decimated by injuries than the Vikings. Minnesota’s latest injury is to FS Harrison Smith. Regardless, the Jaguars offense has been an absolute disaster this season. Jacksonville doesn’t do anything particularly well and it’s expected Gus Bradley will soon be fired.
Minnesota’s defense has kept them in every game and will be the key to victory in Jacksonville. Expect Bortles to make more bad throws while under constant pressure from the Vikings.
(Our prediction: Vikings win 17-10, Vikings cover)
San Diego Chargers at Carolina Panthers (-1.5)
The Chargers went from potential playoff contender to the AFC West cellar when they lost Keenan Allen to injury. Also done for the season is young star corner Jason Verrett. The Chargers are 5-7 but still have enough offensive talent to be a pest on any Sunday.
The Panthers blew their season up after failing to address holes along the offensive line and letting Josh Norman walk. Luke Kuechly will not play due to a concussion and may be shut down for the season. Still, this feels like a game Cam Newton places over the chip on his shoulder.
(Our prediction: Panthers win 24-23, Chargers cover)