Broncos-Panthers and Week 14 Picks

 Last Week's Record: (8-6-1)

Overall Record (95-89-7)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

At 4-8, the Broncos are now just playing out the string for the fourth straight December. It sucks and that is the most depressing thing in the NFL-when your team is playing meaningless games down the stretch. But, there is something to watch these last four games. It would be nice to see the Broncos get to 8-8 and avoid a fourth straight losing season. It is also important to see how Drew Lock plays these last four games as he heads into next year. Also, the Broncos season could have gone in so many other ways more positive but it feels like they are snakebit this year, so it would be nice to see them finish strong. This will be a tough one this week in Carolina because they are without CB AJ Bouye, who is suspended for 6 games due to PED use, so they are without their top 3 corners. It looks like RB Christian McCaffrey will not play, but I just don't know what Denver has left in the tank to play well and win though. Everytime I have confidence in them this season, they end up losing or screwing me over. 

CAROLINA (-4) over Denver

Final Score: Panthers-26 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 14....

Arizona (-2) over GIANTS: The 6-6 Cardinals have lost three in a row and are barely hanging on to the 6th seed in the NFC. The G-Men have won four in a row and at 5-7 lead the NFC East. This is a huge game in the NFC on Sunday. A lot of people are picking the Giants, and I hope they win, but I got a feeling this is a tight game and Kyler Murray pulls off some magic and leads the Cards to a late win.

Dallas (-2) over CINCINNATI: The Cowboys season ended when Dak Prescott got hurt. At 3-9, they are having a nightmare year and can start looking to 2021. The Bengals are without Joe Burrow for the rest of the year and they are just not interesting without him. Look for Dallas to win Andy Dalton's return to Cincy.

Minnesota (+7) over TAMPA BAY: This is a huge game in the NFC Wild Card picture. At 7-5, the Bucs can solidify the #5 seed if they win out. The Vikings are very much alive for the #7 seed at 6-6. I see a back and forth game, and I think the Bucs win, but I have a feeling the Vikings keep it close.

JACKSONVILLE (+8) over Tennessee: The Titans will win the game to get to 9-4, but I think the Jags have been scrappy the last two weeks and this one might be closer than people expect.

Kansas City (-7) over MIAMI: Another big game in the AFC. The Chiefs are 11-1 and they are fighting for the #1 seed in the AFC and that all important first round bye. The Dolphins are fighting for the Wild Card at 8-4. This game has huge ramifications for the playoffs with any result. I think KC leaves no doubt and goes into Miami and buries the Dolphins.

DETROIT (+8) over Green Bay:  Green Bay is 9-3 and closing in on another NFC North crown, but the question remains if they can grab the #1 seed in the NFC from the Saints. They need to win this game and they will, but look for the 5-7 Lions to cover the spread.

CHICAGO (PICK) over Houston: At 5-7, the Bears are barely hanging on to any playoff hopes. They have lost six in a row after starting 5-1. A win here keeps them in the playoff race-especially if Arizona and Minnesota lose. I think they avoid their 7th straight loss here and take care of the 4-8 Texans.

SEATTLE (-13) over Jets: Seattle will bury the Jets at home this week after getting beat at home to the Giants last week. The Seahawks won't mess around in this game. Seattle needs to win this game to get to 9-4 to keep pace with the Rams in the NFC West. They will take out their frustration on the 0-12 Jets, who are headed for the #1 pick in the draft. 

LAS VEGAS (+3) over Indianapolis: Another huge game in the AFC. I think the Raiders will get to 8-5 with a big win over the 8-4 Colts. Whatever happens will have huge effects in the Wild Card race. For some reason, I haven't bought into the Colts all year, and I am still skeptical. There is a scenario in which both these teams don't make the playoffs.

New Orleans (-7) over PHILADELPHIA: Philly benched Carson Wentz and goes with Jalen Hurts at QB. I don't think it will matter at New Orleans wins at home. The Saints are 10-2 and need this game to keep the lead as the #1 seed in the NFC, and I can't see their defense getting fooled by Hurts. 

CHARGERS (+3) over Atlanta: This is a meaningless game between the 3-9 Chargers and the 4-8 Falcons. I look for Justin Herbert to bounce back after last week's poor performance. 

Washington (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO: I think that Washington goes to 6-7 and takes control of the NFC East with a win over the banged up 49ers. For whatever reason, I feel like only the year 2020 can produce the Washington Football Team winning the NFC East.

Pittsburgh (+3) over BUFFALO: Great game on Sunday Night Football on NBC. The Steelers lost their first game of the year to Washington to fall to 11-1. I think they will will rebound from their first loss and take care of business on the road over the 9-3 Bills. If they Bills lose, they can still win their division so a loss here won't kill their season. The Steelers need the game more and I think they will do enough to get the win.

CLEVELAND (PICK) over Baltimore: This is an interesting and important game on Monday Night Football. The Browns are 9-3 and on the cusp of their first playoff win since 2002. The Ravens are 7-5 after burying the Cowboys on Tuesday night. I still don't think the Ravens have righted the ship and I'm not so sure they will run the table and make the playoffs. Believe it or not I like the Browns at home.