Week 14 is right here and we have fairly a couple of huge matchups from a playoff perspective. Because the Counting Crows as soon as mentioned, it is a lengthy December and it is about to be an extended one for the NFL: there are 11 groups in every convention inside one sport of a playoff spot and 13 groups on each side of the standings inside two video games of a playoff spot.
We’ll begin getting some critical climate too — the Lions-Bears sport was trending towards insane climate this weekend however issues shifted round a bit. Cleveland climate goes to be a contact gnarly over the weekend maybe. We’re seeing a bunch of low totals in consequence.
Properly … that and the actual fact we’re coping with a ton of backup quarterbacks. By my depend, a whopping 19 of 32 NFL teams have used a backup quarterback for critical motion sooner or later this season. That is absurd and it is not slowing down in any respect with the extent of accidents a few of these beginning quarterbacks have taken to this point this season.
It’ll be dicey, so let’s get scorching down the stretch.
The Browns aren’t in an important spot in the case of the offense, however on this sport they may have sufficient. We’re anticipating unhealthy Cleveland climate to linger round — some wind, loads of chilly, gentle precip, and so forth. The Jaguars are doubtless with out Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Beathard is on the harm report as effectively. This can be a banged-up offense for Jacksonville — Travis Etienne has regarded like he is battling by means of some stuff and Walker Little suffered an harm Monday as effectively — going in opposition to the league’s greatest protection. Cleveland can also be getting Denzel Ward again and his addition to this protection should not be undersold. Jacksonville’s protection struggled in opposition to Joe Mixon on Monday and with a brief week transferring from Florida to Cleveland it is not exhausting to think about them ceding some runs to Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt. Anytime you may again Joe Flacco as a three-point dwelling favourite within the 12 months 2023 it’s a must to do it.
Whereas Cincy’s evened issues up at 6-6 after a shocking win as an enormous underdog in opposition to the Jags, the Bengals protection wasn’t precisely inspiring on Monday both. The Colts protection, then again, has been ridiculous speeding the passer during the last month, tallying a complete of 21 (!) sacks the final 4 video games. The competitors hasn’t been robust, with the sacks coming in opposition to the Panthers, Pats, Bucs and Titans, however 21 sacks is 21 sacks. However they’re drawing one other backup quarterback in Jake Browning who’s getting fairly the bump right here by way of the point-spread motion off his historic efficiency in opposition to the Jags.
Browning, who starred at Washington, is in uncommon firm. However I am unsure he is prepared for an additional monster efficiency, even when he will get to play the Colts at dwelling. The Bengals protection is regarding and the Colts offense is cooking just a little bit right here, particularly with Michael Pittman beginning to come alive.
In case you’ve learn me at any level over the previous few years, you recognize this flies within the face of my #model. I’m the Rams man, the Matthew Stafford man. This can be a huge quantity for the Ravens at dwelling, a quantity that appears shocking given how effectively the Rams are enjoying currently. However the Ravens are a foul matchup, particularly off the bye. Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp are banged up and the Ravens will blitz aggressively. The Rams haven’t got the defensive personnel to maintain up with this Baltimore offense, even with Mark Andrews lacking. Baltimore’s report in opposition to NFC groups when Lamar Jackson is below middle is outrageous and the Ravens have destroyed groups at dwelling this 12 months, no matter high quality, however particularly on the NFC finish.
Panthers (+5.5) at Saints
“Oh [bleep] right here we go once more.” Each week I discover myself drawn towards the Panthers for some motive, regardless of their horrible report general and usually horrible report in opposition to the unfold. However this sport is intriguing from a New Orleans quarterback perspective. The Saints are doing one among two issues: 1) trotting out Derek Carr who’s popping out of concussion protocol and coping with a shoulder harm or 2) rolling out Jameis Winston. Jameis could be my desire for leisure functions, however for the Panthers preserving this inside a discipline purpose I am unsure both one issues. The overall right here is 37.5, so nobody is anticipating a ton of factors. If Carr is enjoying, the Saints are going to be a turtle on offense and he’ll be a Checkdown Charlie. If Jameis begins, there’s insane upside for a Panthers defensive landing or a turnover to arrange some factors.
Fairly wild unfold right here! The Eagles are 10-2 and one of the crucial dominant groups in soccer and so they’re getting a full discipline purpose in opposition to a division rival. The Cowboys have a number of big benefits nevertheless. They’re coming off a full 10 days of relaxation, beating the Seahawks at dwelling final Thursday and now getting till the next Sunday evening earlier than enjoying. The Eagles’ relaxation time is far shorter, after enjoying a late-afternoon sport final Sunday in opposition to the 49ers. Philly additionally acquired beat up unhealthy by San Francisco, a particularly bodily group that took them to the woodshed. Jalen Hurts is banged up sufficient to generate some controversial takes about whether or not or not he ought to be enjoying. The Cowboys are 6-0 at dwelling with a ridiculous +151 level differential on the season. They performed the Eagles in an excellent tight sport earlier within the 12 months and will have gained in Philly however for some unhealthy late-game administration. The Eagles protection has been struggling and Dak Prescott is enjoying excellent, MVP-level soccer. That continues on Sunday evening.
This can be a BIG sport approaching Sunday — the Payments are 6-6 and on the verge of elimination, whereas the Chiefs are 8-4 and on the verge of dropping an opportunity at gaining the No. 1 general seed. So each groups are determined for a win right here. It is in all probability going to be a hard-fought, shut sport with each groups seeking to run the heck out of the ball. Buffalo must decelerate Isiah Pacheco, bracket Travis Kelce and power Patrick Mahomes’ vast receivers to step up on this spot. An Andy Reid-Sean McDermott matchup (Reid as soon as fired McDermott, folks overlook that!) is at all times spicy. I just like the Payments coming off the bye to discover a solution to win this one and open up the probabilities of them making a playoff run.
