Going into the grind of December football games, the games that decide if you and the team get it together, get hot and build momentum towards the postseason. This week in the National football league there are no byes, and the second week of December will host a series of divisional games that could not only sway the division, but could downright win their respective division. Looking at you Cowboys and Raiders, the two best teams in their respective division. Let’s see what else the NFL has in store for us for week 14.
Standings: Daniel 14-14 Eddie 14-14
Note: The statistics used in this article can be found on: http://www.espn.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/
Thursday Night Football:
Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
The leader of the MVP race Derek Carr and company will lead the number one team in the AFC to Arrowhead. In a tight chase for the number one spot in the division, the Chiefs who are just red hot since last season, will host the Raiders who seek to remain the only team in the division to be undefeated on the road. Chiefs and Eric Berry escaped Hotlanta last weekend off a pick two. Who do you trust, the Raiders offensive weapons of Carr, Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, or the duo of running backs the Raiders posses? They will go up against a Marcus Peters and Eric Berry tandem that dominates the league. The Chiefs defense is strong but who will be the playmaker and make plays? Will the Raiders get hot in the second half like last week, or will the Chiefs look to just find a way to win and remain undefeated in the division. The Raiders look to still be undefeated on the road with a 6-0 record in away games.
Daniel: Oakland in a nail bitter.
The emergence of RBs Jalen Richard and Latavius Murray as a legitimate threat out of Oakland’s backfield has helped 3rd year QB and MVP front runner, Derek Carr to overcome stout defensive outlooks. The duo combines for 12 out of the 39 TDs scored by the Raiders this year, and provides a nice security blanket for Carr. After scoring 29 unanswered points in the second half in a comeback win against the Buffalo Bills this past Sunday, the Raiders are flying high and reaching their peak. However, they have a tough assignment this week, as they leave the nice California weather to visit Arrowhead Stadium. The Kansas City Chiefs are guaranteed to have a loud crowd on their side, and the return of pass rusher Dee Ford, who has 10 sacks on the year should give Oakland’s gargantuan offensive line a run for its money.
Eddie: In the end, this Raiders' offense will show why this team is ready to be the number one seed in the AFC.
Sunday NFL Action:
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Washington defense or the struggling Philly offense? Number two overall pick in this year’s draft, Carson Wentz has regressed in the recent weeks, after starting so well. In the last nine games, Wentz has seven TDs with 11 interceptions and 13 total turnovers. The Eagles need to run the ball! The squad is 0-5 when they rush for less than 100 yards. Can Washington build some success with a W to keep their playoff hopes alive? Can Kirk and company deliver on the road?
Daniel: Washington.
After a couple of impressive performances, both at home and on the road, the Washington Redskins came down to earth when they faced a strong Arizona defense. The key to this matchup, and to the Redskins’ success, should be RB Rob Kelley’s performance. If Kelley can run on this scary Philadelphia front, then their weak secondary should be easy to pick apart for QB Kirk Cousins. On the other sideline, it will be interesting to observe if this “Carson Wentz’s throwing mechanics are a deal breaker” narrative prevails.
Eddie: Washington’s offense might be too overwhelming for the Eagles to catch up.
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
The Texans, who are tied in the division with the Titans, will look to get up on the division. They also look like they could stumble and let the Titans win a division. The Texans defense and DC Romeo Crennel will look to stop a red hot Andrew Luck. The Texans D that allows 21.4 points, 361 yards and 208.4 passing yards will to Whitney Mercilus, who leads the team in sacks, to put Luck in the turf. Key would be third down; the Texans allow a conversion percentage of 36.9 which is fifth in the NFL. Luck who has got it going as of late, is having a rating of 98.3 with 23 TDs and 3,105 yards, will lead the Colts who have been dominant in December. They are 6-0 at home. Luck has been money; look for Luck to continue to cash in.
Daniel: Colts, Luck has a monster game.
After thrashing an uninterested Jets squad, the Colts are looking to continue their impressive offensive performances. They have a Strength of Schedule (SoS) of .477, ranking them 22nd in the league and making them a viable contender to win their own division. Andrew Luck should have no issue shredding a weak Houston team that unlike the Denver and other teams with great defenses, cannot mask their disgraceful offensive play.
Eddie: Indy takes care of business at home.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
In his first appearance since week one, Robert Griffin III will start for the Cleveland Browns, who will be looking to win their first game of the season against a Marvin Lewis squad that will miss the playoffs for the first time in years. The Browns are not that bad, with cornerback Joe Haden, standout wide receiver Terelle Pryor Sr. and tackle Joe Thomas. They will bind together to get the land its first win of the season in December. The Bengals are just one spot ahead of the Browns in the division, and will look to build on last week’s win despite the loss of A.J. Green.
Daniel: Stir the pot, let’s go RG3, win it for Hue Jackson who took a shot for you despite your history with injuries.
The Browns are in desperation mode, looking for a win that will prevent them from going 0-16, and being a national embarrassment alongside the 2008 Detroit Lions. This is the Hue Jackson Bowl, with the now Cleveland coach trying to stick it to his former organization who refused to give him the head coaching job.
Eddie: If Cincinnati didn’t have Tyler Eifert, this would have been Cleveland’s perfect chance to steal one at home.
Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans
In what could possibly be a playoff battle down the line, this is a huge game for both teams. Titans are tied for the division, while the Broncos are on pace for a wild card berth but can still get their division by winning out over the Chiefs and Raiders. The pass defense of the Broncos is ranked first in the NFL allowing 192.7 pass yards per game, and they will go up against a Titans offense that is 18th in the league averaging 240.8 passing yards per game. Mariota will look to continue his success especially in the red zone with a total of 30 tds, Mariota is having the fifth best passer rating with 101.9, while the Broncos are first only allowing 68.6 passer rating. But what could be major key for the Titans could be that run game of theirs. The Broncos front seven against the backs of Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry, Broncos allow 226.2 rush yard per game which is 24th in the league, while the Titans rank third averaging 141.3 rush yards per game. Jack Conklin will be an x factor. The Broncos will look to rely on the defense which got its swagger back last week. Defensive player of the year candidate, Von Miller came through last week, and made big plays when needed. Can he and the D line of Derrick Wolfe, Shane Ray, and Demarcus Ware contain Marcus and blitz him to throwing into the “No Fly Zone?” Another question will be the Broncos offense; the addition of Justin Forrest at running back is needed, expect to see him play a lot, but who will be under center? The rookie Paxton Lynch? Or Trevor Siemian, who comes out of the boot and looks to solidify his starting QB spot.
Daniel: Von makes a play or two to solidify himself as the defensive player of the year.
Tennessee looks threatening to this Broncos team, however the Titans’ inconsistency should be an issue for those wagering at their designated desert location. Denver’s offensive line is a concern, and the loss of their better running back, Kapri Bibbs, is concerning for a very mediocre offense. Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo combine for 17 sacks, making them a top 3 duo in this category in the NFL, and should be feared.
Eddie: Tennessee makes a statement this week.
Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins will look to regain their momentum, after flustering out last week against the Ravens. Arizona, who is coming off Carson Palmer’s best game last week will, look to utilize David Johnson as they look to get a W in Miami. The cardinals pass offense is averaging 262.8 pass yards, while the Miami defense has allowed 242.8 pass yards per game. The matchup will be the Cardinals secondary led by Patrick Peterson and company, they will look to force Ryan Tannehill to revert back to his old ways of interceptions thrown.
Daniel: Arizona wins behind David Johnson once again.
After getting their doors blown off against the Ravens, the Dolphins showed their true identity. They are not an efficient team on offense, and if they play a defense that can shut down their ground attack, much like Arizona’s (ranked T-11 in the league) they tend to find themselves in dire trouble. On offense, the Cardinals have a top 3 running back in David Johnson, who continues to punish opposing defenses through the air and through the ground.
Eddie: Arizona builds some more momentum, looking for a wishful playoff spot.
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions
Jordan Howard who had a monster game last week, will head to the D and face a Lions team led by Matthew Stafford, who is on pace for his first 100 plus passer rating season. Stafford has been balling this season and will look to rebound from their week four lost against the Bears.
Daniel: Motown wins with the help of the defense and Stafford.
The biggest question for the Bears will be Matt Barkley. Can they rely on him going forward? Have they found their answer at QB, in the highly touted “bust” from USC? They also have rookie LB, Leonard Floyd playing really well, leading rookies in sacks with 7.
On the other side of the field, Detroit has not been stopped by better teams than the Bears, so I fully expect all components of this Lions team to make plays to win the game.
Eddie: Detroit gets closer to a division title this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills
Who shows up, the great Steelers that look like they can take anyone one? Or the bad Steelers who make everyone question if they are any good? The Steelers will look to put points on the board, as they are 0-4 when scoring fewer than 24 points. Le'Veon Bell who leads the league in total yards from scrimmage will be a big weapon for them.
Daniel: Steelers win, continue the playoff hopes.
After a discouraging loss to the Raiders, the Bills have to be kicking themselves, as their playoff aspirations are barely alive. It doesn’t get any easier for them this week, as the high-powered Steelers offense comes into town. Look for an offensive game plan that tries to keep the ball away from the Steelers through a powerful running attack.
Eddie: Despite a good Buffalo performance, the Steelers’ offense will be too much to handle.
San Diego Chargers @ Carolina Panthers
The Panthers will look to rebound after their horrific loss on Sunday night. Can Superman Cam regain the swagger? Has Coach Ron Rivera lost all hope on Cam, who he benched for making it rain not for failing to wear a tie. The Chargers are streaking and will look to continue its dominant pass offense against a weak Panthers pass defense. Chargers on average are getting 266.4 yards through the air, while the Panthers defense allows 276.8 passing yards per game, ranked for 29th in the league.
Daniel: Stay classy San Diego.
In a battle of two teams that have nothing to play for, the Chargers have the edge because of their impressive passing game. We will see if Cam Newton decides to bring a tie to this game.
Eddie: Not a lot to play for in this game, San Diego picks up a win.
Minnesota Vikings @ Jacksonville jaguars
Blake Bortles against Sam Bradford, this matchup should be interesting in the offense versus defense of Bortles going against a strong, stingy Vikings defense. If the Jaguars can get a couple hits on starting drives of Minnesota, whose offense relies on positive yardage, the Jags should win. But with the Vikings, who started off so hot, can they redeem themselves after such a close loss last Thursday against the Cowboys?
Daniel: Vikings.
With a loss here the Vikings would be eliminated from divisional title contention, and they face a potentially frisky Jaguars defense. However, Blake Bortles is the enigma here, and his poor level of play will lead Jacksonville to a loss this week.
Eddie: Vikings defense haunts Bortles’ dreams for the rest of the season.
New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers
The Jets will travel to Levi’s stadium to face Colin Kaepernick who got benched last week. Bryce Petty will be expected to start the final four games of the season, so we will get to see what Petty can do against one of the worst defenses of the league. Can Kap regain his swagger after a disappointing outing last week? It is going to be an ugly game, but I think Chip and Colin figure it out. San Fran could win and let the number one pick slip away, or will the Jets improve and show some fight?
Daniel: Chip Kelly finds a win, do it for your pops g.
The battle for a top 5 pick continues here in San Francisco between two of the worst teams in the league. I seem to be on the more optimistic side of the Petty argument, and I think he will be able to dissect a terrible San Francisco defense.
Eddie: New York gets one back on the road.
Atlanta Falcons @ Los Angeles Rams
Matty “Ice” Ryan with the third best pass offense in the league, averaging 302 passing yards faces a Rams pass defense that allows 231 pass yards per game. The Rams defense in the last few games have allowed six touchdowns over zero interceptions. Atlanta looks to find its groove after a disappointing loss last week to the hands of Eric Berry and the Chiefs.
Daniel: Atlanta comes to the city of angels and stunts.
The Falcons should use this game as leverage to gain ground over a Tampa Bay squad that has a tough assignment against the Saints at home. However, the loss of LT Jake Matthews could be a huge issue trying to contain a sometimes-powerful Rams front line. This is just another set of valuable reps for rookie QB Jared Goff, whose team is out of playoff contention and is playing for draft capital.
Eddie: Atlanta drops a bomb on the Rams.
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The hot Tampa team is clicking on all cylinders right now; the D has emerged and is looking to be high flying. The Saints, with quarterback Drew Brees will look to rebound from last week’s performance and look to end this Tampa streak. Saints need to score over 24 points, they are 0-5 when they score less than that. The Bucs have all the juice right now, being the number sixth seed right now, look for the Tampa defense to continue its success.
Daniel: Tampa Bay, Famous Jameis is balling, and that defense is pretty flames.
Tampa Bay need a win if they want to stay in the race to win the division, given Atlanta’s favorable matchup. Despite all the statistics in their favor, the Saints cannot deny their struggle winning on the road and I do not expect them to beat a Bucs team on the rise.
Eddie: The Bucs continue to be in the mix for one more week.
Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay Packers
If the Pack is really serious about running the table, this game is a total offering for them to take it. Seattle who is coming off an impressive Sunday Night Football game at home will look to continue that success at Lambeau Field. Russell Wilson needs to score a TD and be effective, the Seahawks are 7-0 when they score one or more TDs, they are 1-3-1 with zero tds. Look for a mixture of Thomas Rawls and play action with Wilson to attack the improving Packers defense. Whereas the Pack they will look to continue the success that Aaron Rodgers has had recently with two or more touchdown passes in seven straight games, the second longest active streak.
Daniel: Green Bay wins at home.
Thomas Rawls is coming off of an incredible performance, showing the football world he is still the same player he was before getting injured. Russell Wilson is playing out of his mind from the pocket and out of the pocket now that he is back to full mobility.
The Packers two game winning streak should be smoke and mirrors, seeing that they beat two bad teams in Philadelphia and Houston, and I expect them to fall apart against the Super Bowl-ready Seattle Seahawks.
Eddie: Seattle nods at Dallas with this victory over a mediocre cinderella team.
Sunday Night Football:
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
The only team to beat the Dallas Cowboys is the New York football Giants. Both teams will headline Sunday night with a division game that should come down to the wire. Eli Manning will look to torch the Cowboys secondary with his weapons; Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. Landon Collins and the Giants defense will look to force Dak Prescott into bad decisions with turnovers. In the first matchup Zeke was a rookie, he has grown up now, can he dominate the defense and ease off the pressure of his fellow rookie QB? Collins is tied in second for the most interceptions in the league, so who takes Sunday Night?
Daniel: Eli does it at home. Giants win this game.
The New York Giants showed the world last week that they are not a legitimate threat in the playoffs, and Eli Manning is holding them hostage. The lack of a running game forces the Giants to look for offense through Manning, and he has shown that he is not the same guy he was last season. Jason Pierre-Paul will sit out this game, and he will be missed not only because of his pass rushing ability, but also his presence in the running game, as he held rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott under 55 yards the last time these two met.
Eddie: The Cowboys continue their winning streak on the road.
Monday Night Football:
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
This game is always a physical battle when these two get together. The look should be on Baltimore’s tight end Dennis Pitta who had a breakout game last weekend with 9 receptions and two tds, while New England will look to replace Rob Gronkowski with Martellus Bennett. But the way it could be won for either team will be the running game. Terrance West or LeGarrette Blount? Look for either team to utilize the play action for a big play down the field. Who has the most weapons Tommy Uggs or Joe Flacco flakes? Who can lead his team to victory?
Daniel: New England wins by a field goal.
Eddie: Ravens in a surprising game.
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