NFL schedule rankings and predictions for Week 14
False start
Let’s be honest: Mitchell Trubisky vs. Bailey Zappe on Thursday Night Football is awful. How awful? Al Michaels would probably rather dine on something with green in it than suffer through this AFC contest. Prediction: Steelers 10, Patriots 6
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
One of two dismal matchups in the NFC South. There could be a three-way tie for first if the Buccaneers win. That’s not happening, though. Prediction: Falcons 21, Buccaneers 17
12. Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
If the Saints don’t clobber the Panthers, a lot of members of the New Orleans coaching staff need to think about their next job. Prediction: Saints 34, Panthers 13
11. Minnesota Vikings at Las Vegas Raiders
This could have been an offensive showcase if it were Kirk Cousins against Jimmy G. Now, it is Joshua Dobbs (or another Minnesota QB) against Aidan O’Connell. Quite the snoozer. Prediction: Raiders 17, Vikings 13
10. Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
The embarrassing way the Bears fell to the Lions a few weeks ago isn’t enough to drum up a lot of intrigue here. Detroit needs to start fast and play 60 minutes, which it didn’t do against New Orleans. The Bears are the Bears and are playing out the season, again. Prediction: Lions 30, Bears 20
9. Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
This isn’t as bad as it seems. Denver has been playing much better and saw its five-game winning streak end against Houston. The Chargers can’t say as much. One thing is for sure: It figures to be close. Prediction: Broncos 27, Chargers 23
8. Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins
One of two MNF games. The reason it ranks here is because the Dolphins’ offense is always fun to watch. The only person who won’t have fun viewing Mike McDaniel’s attack is Mike Vrabel. Prediction: Dolphins 35, Titans 12
7. Green Bay Packers at New York Giants
The Packers get the credit for this game sitting in the middle of the rankings. The defense will harass Tommy DeVito, and Jordan Love and the offense has become quite intriguing. Prediction: Packers 27, Giants 17
6. Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
A few weeks ago, this would have been a matchup for first place in the NFC West. Now, the Seahawks are fighting for their wild card playoff lives and the 49ers are on quite a roll. The only hope Seattle has is if SF lets down after the Eagles romp. Don’t count on it. Prediction: 49ers 31, Seahawks 14
5. Houston Texans at New York Jets
Forgive this ranking. It is simply because the Texans have become one of the most fun teams in the league. There’s also a twisted enjoyment in seeing whoever the QB is for the Jets suffer because of the offensive line’s weakness.
4. Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
The Colts are similar to the Texans. They tend to play thrillers and have a lot of big plays. What they did at Tennessee in Week 13 is a perfect example. The Bengals are Jake Browning’s team, which doesn’t exactly create buzz but Gardner Minshew and his teammates offset that. Prediction: Colts 23, Bengals 21
3. Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
This is a far better game than appears on the surface. The Rams have regained their mojo and have a strong and balanced offense. The Ravens, well they are the Ravens, and they are home. Would it be a surprise if Baltimore blew out LA? No. But … Prediction: Ravens 28, Rams 27
2. Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
The Bills come in looking to win to stay over .500. Yes, a loss would put Buffalo below .500 after Week 14. Sean McDermott’s seat could be getting warm in Western New York. The Chiefs, meanwhile, don’t have their usual edge and are coming off a loss at Green Bay. Both teams need wins and these teams play exciting games. Prediction: Chiefs 34, Bills 31
1. Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
This ranking needs no explanation. Prediction: Cowboys 31, Eagles 27
