We opened Week 14 of the NFL season with a close, but kind of frustrating game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs won 21-13, but their offense was completely shut out in the second half. It wouldn’t have been so glaring if their offense hadn’t been spectacular in the first half. If quarterback Alex Smith played every game like he did that first 30 minutes against the Raiders, this Kansas City team goes to the Super Bowl.
On Oakland’s side, it’s hard not to blame Derek Carr’s injured fingers for some legitimate accuracy problems in the passing game Thursday. It held the Raiders offense down the entire night. The kid is tough and playing through it, but Oakland obviously didn’t make the right adjustments to match his capabilities and it cost them. On back-to-back plays, just needed a few yards on third and fourth down, the Raiders went downfield with passes that were just off enough to be incomplete. Sure, a healthy Derek Carr probably completes those, but he’s not healthy. And calling plays like he is knocked the Raiders out of first place in the AFC West and handed home field advantage back to the New England Patriots.
On to the picks. We’ve got four weeks to go in the regular season. It’s time to put our bad Thursday night pick behind us and I can’t think of a better song to get us fired up to do just that.
Sunday Early Games
Pittsburgh at Buffalo (+3)
Any illusion that the Bills (6-6) had of making the playoffs ends Sunday. With the Ravens playing the Patriots on Monday night, the Steelers (7-5) are not going to screw up their chance to take over the AFC North for good. Rex Ryan is heading for another 8-8 record at best and considering he took over a team that went 9-7 and nearly made the playoffs before he got there, that’s probably all the reason Bills owner Terry Pegula needs to fire him. Steelers 29, Bills 17
Denver at Tennessee (-1)
I’ve checked multiple times and that’s the line. The Titans (6-6) are actually favored over the Broncos (8-4). Is this Trump’s America? Broncos 24, Titans 13
Washington at Philadelphia (+2)
I’ve predicted all season, even as the Redskins (6-5-1) proved they had a decent team, that they would still miss the NFL playoffs. Last week’s loss to the Cardinals probably sealed that deal, but a winning record is still possible. Unfortunately there’s no real reason for the Eagles (5-7) to tank (though NFL teams really don’t do that), as they traded away their No. 1 pick this year. Redskins 27, Eagles 20
Arizona at Miami (-1.5)
This is a long trip for a Cardinals (5-6-1) team just playing out the stretch. Meanwhile the Dolphins (7-5) are still battling for a playoff spot and bring a pass rush up the middle, which I would say is Carson Palmer’s kryptonite, but that would be comparing Palmer to Superman. He’s more like Bizarro. Dolphins 24, Cardinals 20
San Diego at Carolina (-1.5)
There are some surprisingly tough games to pick this week and none moreso than this one. Last year, with a less-potent Panthers (4-8) roster, this game isn’t even close. Yet somehow this Carolina team won’t even make the playoffs. Seemingly against God’s will the Chargers (5-7) are still mathematically in the AFC race. That ends Sunday. Panthers 24, Chargers 20
Cincinnati at Cleveland (+5.5)
Listen, I’m not going to pick the Browns (0-12), but I like their chances in this game. The Bengals (4-7-1) are playing out the stretch and are without A.J. Green. Cleveland is evidently starting Robert Griffin III. Maybe that will do something? I’m rooting for you. Bengals 24, Browns 23
Chicago at Detroit (-7)
After a stirring effort from the Bears (3-9) with Matt Barkley under center, it’ll be shame to see the Lions (8-4) ruin it. But they will. Lions 34, Bears 20
Houston at Indianapolis (-6.5)
The Colts (6-6) are primed to take over the AFC North this week. The Texans (6-6) are in no position to stop them. Houston needs a change at head coach so losing isn’t a bad thing here. Colts 31, Texans 20
Minnesota at Jacksonville (+3.5)
The Vikings (6-6) needed a break after a brutal couple of months. The Jaguars (2-10), as always, are here to help. Vikings 23, Jaguars 13
Sunday Late Games
New York Jets at San Francisco (-2.5)
The Jets (3-9) are letting Bryce Petty start the rest of the way. As far as I can tell Colin Kaepernick is starting the next four games for the 49ers (1-11). This is another tough NFL game to pick. It’ll be even tougher to watch. 49ers 17, Jets 14
New Orleans at Tampa Bay (-2.5)
If the Buccaneers (7-5) are the real deal, they end the Saints (5-7) season Sunday. Bucs 34, Saints 31
Atlanta at Los Angeles (+6.5)
You never know which Falcons (7-5) team will show up. As long as Jeff Fisher is the head coach, no one has that question about the Rams (4-8). Falcons 31, Rams 13
Seattle at Green Bay (+3)
The Seahawks (8-3-1) can drop this game and still cruise to the playoffs thanks to a dumpster fire NFC West. If the Packers (6-6) lose, they’re all but making vacation plans in January. Get those CapitalOne bonus miles ready, Green Bay. Seahawks 27, Packers 24
Sunday Night
Dallas at New York Giants (+3.5)
The Cowboys (11-1) get the chance to avenge their only loss. The Giants (8-4) get the chance to punch the best team in the NFL right in the nose again then run away and hide behind their mom. Cowboys 31, Giants 27
Monday Night
Baltimore at New England (-7)
A good Monday night game? How did this happen. The Ravens (7-5) were probably the team that started the whole DeflateGate problem for Tom Brady and the Patriots (10-2), so the consensus is that Brady will want a little revenge. But that’s discounting the fact that Baltimore believes they were cheated out of a playoff victory. Seems like they’d be a little more pissed about that. Ravens 27, Patriots 24
This Week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last Week
Straight up: 9-6
Against the spread: 5-10
Season
Straight up: 117-73-2
Against the spread: 97-91
To make a wager on this week’s NFL games, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
