NFL Predictions - Week 14

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 7-8
Last Week SU: 10-5

Season ATS: 98-91-1 (52%)
Season SU: 130-60 (68%)

Cleveland (+14.5) at Pittsburgh
This game took place Thursday night and was surprisingly tight. The game couldn't have gone any better for Browns fans. They had a legitimate chance to win and hurt Big Ben in the process. But then Roethlisberger did what he has done so many times and came back from injury to lead his team to victory. This game showed the difference between a bad team and a good team. The good team found a way to win while playing poorly and the bad team found a way to lose despite having every opportunity to win.

Score - Pittsburgh 14 Cleveland 3

Indianapolis (+16.5) at Baltimore
The Colts played one of their best games of the season last week and still lost by a TD in New England. They have 4 games left to avoid the dreaded winless season. It doesn't look promising that they will get it this week. Baltimore needs to win every week to make sure they can host a playoff game this season. They have had a tendency to play down to their competition, but I have a hard time imagining that they will let the Colts hang around in this game.

Prediction - Baltimore 30 Indianapolis 13

Atlanta (-2.5) at Carolina
The Falcons failed to take advantage of all the other teams in the NFC playoff race losing last week. Atlanta fell as well, losing 17-10 to the TJ Yates lead Texans. This week they head to Carolina and need a win. Cam Newton continued his spectacular rookie campaign last week by rushing for 3 TD and leading Carolina to their 4th win of the year. This game should be close, but the Falcons have been in this position before and should know how to handle it.

Prediction - Atlanta 24 Carolina 21

Houston (+3.5) at Cincinnati
This game has big playoff implications. There is a chance that these teams could square off in a Wild Card matchup. The Bengals have to get there first though. And to do so, this is a game they need. They are coming off of a blowout loss in Pittsburgh, and will look to bounce back to hold their spot as the AFC's 6th seed currently. Houston is looking to remain undefeated under the guidance of TJ Yates. The defense will have more to do with it, if the Texans win.

Prediction - Houston 20 Cincinnati 16

Minnesota (+7.5) at Detroit
What has happened to the Lions? They are self-destructing and are in danger of missing out on the playoffs for yet another year. A loss this week would be devastating. They return home to take on the Vikings who are in the midst of their worst season in years. Christian Ponder looked good last week, before throwing a costly interception that ultimately cost Minnesota the game. I like the Lions to get a win here because they have more talent, but their immaturity has certainly shown in recent weeks.

Prediction - Detroit 26 Minnesota 23

Tampa Bay (-1.5) at Jacksonville
It is usually pretty in the Sunshine State, but I'm not sure the play on the field will be on Sunday. Tampa Bay and Jacksonville have both struggled mightily this season. After the Baby Bucs surprised many with a 10-win season last year they have drifted back to reality and stand at 4-8 in 2011. Jacksonville has Maurice Jones-Drew as an offensive weapon, but that's all. Blaine Gabbert hasn't proved to be worth of a 1st Round pick yet. If you stop MJD, you stop the Jags. I expect Tampa to stop him enough to get a W.

Prediction - Tampa Bay 17 Jacksonville 13

Philadelphia (+3.5) at Miami
It amazes me that Philadelphia is an underdog in this game. They deserve to be based on the way both teams have played, but there is way too much talent in Philly for them to be near the bottom of the league with some of these teams. Miami has turned it around after an 0-7 start to get to 4-8. Matt Moore has revived their offense and Tony Sparano has his team playing hard. I know the Eagles have virtually nothing to play for, but they've got to break out of this funk at some point.

Prediction - Philadelphia 24 Miami 23

Kansas City (+9.5) at NY Jets
After the Chiefs announced they would go with Tyler Palko again last week, they decided to insert Kyle Orton into the game. Well on Orton's 1st play with the team he went down with an injury. So Palko is back in. This has Rex Ryan salivating. expect the Jets to blitz from every which direction. A win here will put the Jets in perfect position to head back to the playoffs for a 3rd consecutive year.

Prediction - NY Jets 23 Kansas City 9

New Orleans (-3.5) at Tennessee
If the Saints are going to win a Super Bowl they are going to need to win outdoors. They have been prolific at home, but something tells me they are going to need to win at Green Bay and/or San Francisco to reach the Super Bowl. Tennessee is a much better team than people realize. They are right in the thick of the playoff race, and could establish themselves as a contender with a win. It won;t be easy for the Saints, but I think they win this one and prove something to themselves and others.

Prediction - New Orleans 30 Tennessee 23

New England (-8.5) at Washington
New England struggled to put away the winless Colts last week, but managed to get the win and remain in contention for home-field in the playoffs. They get the luxury of facing another bad team this week. The Redskins have only won a single game in their last 8 attempts. Now that Rex Grossman has reclaimed the starting QB spot, Washington's chances always rely on whether Good Rex or Bad Rex comes to play. Bad Rex should make an appearance and the Patriots will do enough to get a win.

Prediction - New England 34 Washington 20

San Francisco (-3.5) at Arizona
The 49ers clinched the NFC West title with their shutout of the Rams. Now that they have wrapped the division up, the next order of business is assuring that they get a bye in the playoffs. They feel New Orleans nipping at their heels, and know that they must continue to win despite claiming the division already. They travel to Arizona to face a Cardinal team that has won 4 of their last 5. Kevin Kolb has returned to the QB spot and the Cards could be in the playoff picture with a win. I don't think this team is good enough though.

Prediction - San Francisco 21 Arizona 14

Chicago (+3.5) at Denver
The Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos are headed in opposite directions. Chicago was playing some of the best football in the NFL just a couple weeks ago. Then the injury bug hit hard. They have lost the 2 most vital pieces of their offense in Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. Now the Bears are fighting for their playoff lives. As is Denver. The difference being, the Broncos have gone 6-1 with Tim Tebow under center and are currently tied atop the AFC West. One thing I've learned in recent weeks, don't bet against Tebow.

Prediction - Denver 14 Chicago 10

Oakland (+10.5) at Green Bay
A road trip to Green Bay is not what you want to face when you have lost your lead at the top of your division. That's what the Oakland Raiders are looking forward to this week. Tim Tebow and the Broncos have tied them in the AFC West, and they could use a win against the Pack. Green Bay nearly lost for the 1st time this season in New York a week ago. Aaron Rodgers and that high-powered offense found a way to get it done in the end though. An undefeated season is within reach, but it's not going to be easy.

Prediction - Green Bay 34 Oakland 27

Buffalo (+6.5) at San Diego
What has happened to these teams? Remember when they were both 4-1 and looked to be definite playoff contenders? Fast forward to December 11, and they square off with matching 5-7 records and needing a miracle to reach the postseason. The Chargers finally broke out of their funk last week by dominating the lowly Jags. The Bills couldn't findway to get it done in Tennessee. San Diego is primed to make another late season run and a win today will go a long way.

Prediction - San Diego 28 Buffalo 23

NY Giants (+3.5) at Dallas
It's not every week that a team picks up some momentum with a loss, but that's exactly what happened to the New York Giants. The G-Men hung around until the very last second with the invincible Packers. They also got lucky by the Cowboys gagging in the Arizona desert. Now the winner of this game controls their own destiny. For as much scrutiny as both QBs in this game get at times, Tony Romo and Eli Manning have been 2 of the NFL's best this year. They will both play well, with Romo getting it done in the end.

Prediction - Dallas 27 NY Giants 24

St. Louis (+6.5) at Seattle
Last season the Rams and Seahawks played in the final weekend of the 2010 season for the NFC West title. That won't be the case this year. The 49ers have wrapped up the division, so it would appear that both teams are playing for pride. But the Seahawks are creeping up on .500 and it's possible that they could be just 1 game out of the Wild Card hunt when the week is over. Pete Carroll has his squad playing well, and it should be no problem to get a win at home against the Rams.

Prediction - Seattle 24 St. Louis 14