Picture Credit: All-Pro Reels
Division titles will be decided this weekend. As we progress deeper into the season, the margin of error becomes slimmer and slimmer. Teams that were thought to be contenders back in August have already fallen out of the playoff race. Week 14 features some major matchups between division rivals that could change the course of the season. I’ve listed the NFL’s top Week 14 games.
5. Raiders @ Buccaneers
A few weeks ago, the race for the NFC South looked to be wrapped up. However, the division-leading Falcons have dropped three consecutive games, opening the door for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are currently level with the Falcons at 6-6, with a chance to take over the division lead this week. Tampa Bay is favored by 6.5 points against the Raiders. I expect them to carry their momentum through this weekend.
TB 24-14 LV
4. Falcons @ Vikings
The other determining game in the NFC South takes place in Minnesota on Sunday. As I mentioned previously, the Falcons are suffering a three-game skid that has them in danger of losing control of the division. The offense has been mediocre, while the defense has been one of the worst in the league. Atlanta continues to lack anything resembling a pass rush, which could have been addressed at the top of April’s draft had they not opted for a backup quarterback. The Vikings are thriving, winning five straight games. Brian Flores is the runaway coordinator of the year in my opinion. The Vikings will continue their dominance here.
MIN 27-24 ATL
3. Packers @ Lions
There’s no question which division is the NFL’s best this year. The top three teams in the NFC North have combined for 30 wins so far. That’s more than all four teams of any division have amassed. In this dominant group, the Packers have flown under the radar on their way to a 9-3 start. Jordan Love is earning every cent of his contract, and Josh Jacobs continues to play like a top-5 running back. Green Bay has struggled in big games, though, and this will be their biggest yet. Winners of ten consecutive games, the Lions are playing the best football in the league. They showed some vulnerability on Thanksgiving, but I’ll pick them to continue their streak on Thursday.
DET 27-26 GB
2. Seahawks @ Cardinals
If the Cardinals lose this game, their season may be over. After a hot start in which they took the lead in the NFC West, Arizona has stumbled through the middle portion of the season. Kyler Murray is not playing the same brand of efficient football that he was earlier in the year. Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ defense is surging at just the right time. They held the Cardinals to just six points in their Week 12 matchup, and they’ll look to find the same success this weekend. Arizona is favored at home, but I’m rolling with the underdogs.
SEA 21-17 ARI
1. Chargers @ Chiefs
The Chargers had a chance to put the league on notice two weeks ago against the Ravens. They failed, but they’ll get another opportunity on Sunday night. If Justin Herbert had the volume of a Lamar Jackson or a Joe Burrow, I believe he’d be in the MVP conversation. He’s played a huge part in leading his Chargers to this 8-4 start. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have a firm grasp on the division lead at 11-1. However, all but two of their wins have come by seven points or less. The last time they were put to the test against a top opponent, the Chiefs fell. They’ll do so again on Sunday.
LAC 23-20 KC
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