Week 14 Preview

Best Games to Watch:
New York Jets at Pittsburgh: There is a lot of hype around this game and it should be a fun one to watch. The Jets come in without John Abraham, but Pennington is back in the lineup. The Steelers will be without Plaxico Burress. The Steelers should be able to run on the Jets and their defense should be able to contain Pennington and Martin. The Steelers just have too much riding on this game to let one slip away at home.

Tampa Bay at San Diego: Tampa is on a roll and badly needs this game to strengthen their playoff ambitions. San Diego won a big one last week against the Broncos, but they won't get 2 passes tipped to them for interceptions this week. I think the Bucs will hold the Chargers defensively and get their run game going. It might be close, but the Bucs should win this one.

Cincinnati at New England: According to their records, and what everyone is saying, you would expect New England to win going away this week. I can't point to anything specific, but I think the Bengals might surprise some people this weekend and put a scare into the Patriots or even beat them. Everyone is talking about Corey Dillon wanting to prove himself against his old team, but that cuts both ways. The Bengals also have plenty to prove. They put up impressive numbers against the Ravens' defense last week, so they are definitely capable of keeping up with the Pats. This could be a big upset.

Oakland at Atlanta: This could be a shootout. The Raiders have been scoring buckets of points lately, but they will not be able to stop the Falcons. Atlanta should wrap up their division this week.

The Rest of the Schedule
Seattle at Minnesota: Two teams with a lot on the line. The Seahawks have shown how little heart they have, and the Vikings are back home with a chance to get a firm grip on a playoff spot. The Vikings will put up way too many points for the Seahawks to keep up.

Miami at Denver: If the Broncos lose this one, another season will slip away. I think they will come out with some real fire and put this away early.

Chicago at Jacksonville: The Bears looked very different with Urlacher back in the lineup. But this ain't the Vikings bad defense! The Jags win this one.

New York Giants at Baltimore: Baltimore's vaunted defense has a few cracks! Cincy burned them pretty good. They will be fired up after last week's performance and come after Manning with a vengeance. After this one, the Giants can really start talking about next year.

Indianapolis at Houston: The Colts have to be careful. They keep blowing teams out, but Manning is staying in the game way too long. I know everyone wants him to break the record and throw 70 TDs, but they need to think about the long term and stop risking the franchise. Colts in a blowout.

Cleveland at Buffalo: The Bills need to be careful here. They are rolling, but a let-down here could cost them a playoff spot. Their easy schedule down the stretch makes them a team to watch. They just need to avoid the upset. They should win big at home.

New Orleans at Dallas: No way the Saints slow down Julius Jones and the Cowboys. Parcells has his running game, his experienced QB, and a decent defense. They are making a run at the playoffs and the Saints have no answer.

Detroit at Green Bay: Green Bay was humiliated at Philly. Favre won't let that happen again. Packers, big!

St Louis at Carolina: The Panthers have also found their running game and Delhomme is hot. They have their confidence up and should take another step closer to a playoff spot with a big win here. St Louis hasn't shown they can win outdoors, and I don't think that will change now.

San Francisco at Arizona: Meaningless? I don't think so. The Cardinals will win this game and could find themselves only a game back in the division. Now, if they could just settle on a QB!

Philadelphia at Washington: The Redskins have no chance if the Eagles come ready to play.

Kansas City at Tennessee: I can't think of too many reasons to watch this one. KC wins, but it has no impact on anything.