Week 14 Picks!

Before I get to Week 14 picks, I just have to get a little something off my chest about the whole Broncos-Patriots Flex game situation. The Broncos host the Pats on Sunday December 18th. The game was scheduled for a 4:15 pm start on CBS. With the Broncos surging at 7-5 and Tim Tebow garnering national attention, their matchup against Tom Brady and the 9-3 Patriots looks like it is a must-watch matchup. It is the perfect game for NBC's Sunday Night Football Flex Game on 12/18. The game that currently occupies that spot, Baltimore at San Diego, is not as attractive as the Broncos-Pats matchup. Isn't this the perfect spot for a flex game? Isn't this the reason why NBC paid all that money for the SNF package? Aren't we supposed to showcase marquee matchups on primetime late in the season? The bottom line is this was about CBS and NBC battling it out, and the NFL took the easy way out by keeping the Ravens-Chargers on Sunday Night. It doesn't make sense, and it doesn't add up. CBS will get plenty of marquee matchups the rest of the way and into the playoffs. The NFL should have stepped up and said, "Sorry CBS but you guys protected Philly-Jets, and you didn't protect the Pats-Broncos, and if NBC wants it, then they get the game." The NFL, probably with some extra words from Bob Kraft, didn't step up, and missed out on a golden opportunity. Bad job by the league on this one, and it really dropped the ball big time. Anyway, onto the picks for Week 14........

Last Week's Record: 10-6
Overall Record: 76-91-11
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BALTIMORE (-15) over Indy: The Colts did cover a 20 point spread at New England last week, but this looks like an easy victory for the Ravens. They should cover and move to 10-3.

CINCY (-3) over Houston: The Texans are now 9-3, and I have bet against them every week. The Texans are down to T.J. Yates at QB, and he did enough to win last week at home vs. Atlanta. The Bengals are now 7-5, but they will step up and do enough to win this week at home.

Oakland (+11) over GREEN BAY: This is my "Hunch of the Week." I just have a feeling that the Raiders are going to go into Lambeau and play a really tough game. The Packers are due for a letdown, and the Raiders could pull the shocker this week.

NY JETS (-9) over Kansas City: The Jets have an easy victory this week with Tyler Palko and the Chiefs coming to town. Look for the Jets to take care of business in an easier fashion this week.

Minnesota (+10) over DETROIT: The Lions are imploding, and they are a team in turmoil right now. Look, the Lions will probably win this game, but look for the Vikings to keep it close-especially with Adrian Peterson coming back.

New Orleans (-3) over TENNESSEE: The Saints were my preseason NFC Champion, and I still feel good about them. You know the Packers do not want to see the Saints coming to town in January. The Saints will simply overwhelm the Titans this week. It may be close for a few quarters, but look for the Saints to put it away late.

Philadelphia (+3) over MIAMI: At 4-8, the Eagles are virtually done in the NFC playoff picture. The Eagles will either mail it in the final four weeks, or go on a run and win four in a row to finish 8-8. I don't know what to expect from the Eagles this week, but I'm going to bet that they play well enough to win it.

WASHINGTON (+9) over New England: The Pats will stub their toe once in the next four weeks (Washington, Denver, Miami, Buffalo.) This could be the week that it happens. Look for Mike Shanahan and the Redskins to throw the kitchen sink at the Pats, and it might just be enough to get it done.

Atlanta (-3) over CAROLINA: At 7-5, the Falcons really need this game badly. Look for them to take care of business with a tough, road win at Carolina. This one will be close, but look for the Falcons to close it out.

JACKSONVILLE (+3) over Tampa Bay: This pick is more of my disdain for the how the Buccaneers are playing, then the Jags chances. Awful game but take the Jags at home. Raheem Morris' seat is getting hotter and hotter every week.

San Francisco (-3) over ARIZONA: Although the Niners clinched the NFC West, they will still play hard because they want that number two seed in the NFC. The Cards are feisty at 5-7, but look for the Niners to win close one in the 19-13 range.

Buffalo (+7) over SAN DIEGO: I'm not burying the Chargers and their playoff hopes just yet, but they might not be able to recover from this hole. The Bills have lost five straight games after starting 5-2, and they are due for a win. Take the Bills and the points.

New York Giants (+3) over DALLAS: The Giants' loss to the Packers last week was similar to their 2007 loss to New England in Week 17. At 6-6, the Giants still have a good chance to somehow win the NFC East. Dallas comes in at 7-5 after Jason Garrett completely botched the ending of their loss to Arizona last week. This is a toss up, but I think the Giants find a way to win and get to 7-6.

SEATTLE (-5) over St.Louis: The Seahawks are quietly sitting at 5-7, and they could actually somehow make a run at the last Wild Card spot. The Rams at 2-10 have been a major disappointment. Steve Spagnuolo's team will have to win a few games in these last four weeks, or he could be out in St.Louis. Look for the Seahawks to put the Rams away at home on MNF.

Chicago (+3) over DENVER: This is the first time the Broncos have been favored since Week 2 against Cincy. I don't like all the hype the Broncos have been getting all week. All of attention has gone to Tim Tebow, and a lot of people are talking about how Denver could go and win the AFC West. Also, it seemed like everyone was talking about Denver's next game against New England and if that game was getting flexed into primetime. It looks like Von Miller will be back, but Willis McGahee is questionable, and Eddie Royal will probably be out. The Bears have a really good defense, and even if Caleb Hanie struggles again, it will be a close game. I just have a feeling that Denver could get caught reading their own press clippings and looking ahead to New England.

Final Score: Chicago-20 Denver-10