NFL picks Week 14: Predicting the week's games

Houston Texans (-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars

This is perfect NFL Network game, given the Thursday night NFL Network game is usually one that typically disappoints. Hopefully I stay awake long enough to see the ending. Prediction: Texans 14, Jaguars 10

Kansas City Chiefs (-3) at Washington Redskins

The Chiefs have lost three in a row, though two came against Denver and the other was against division foe San Diego. The Redskins, albeit in a road game, will be a nice refreshment for an otherwise good Chiefs team. Prediction: Chiefs 27, Redskins 13

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots (-12)

Remember when the Browns played good football early this season? That seems like forever ago. They're back to being the Browns, meaning the Patriots likely cover the large point spread. Prediction: Patriots 34, Browns 16

Oakland Raiders at New York Jets (-3)

Geno Smith will be good for giving the Raiders a couple of turnovers this week, even with Oakland traveling to the East Coast. But will the Raiders be able to run the ball? This should be close through four quarters. Prediction: Jets 17, Raiders 16

Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-6)

Two division leaders square off this week with the Bengals a surprising six-point favorite. That said, I agree with the oddsmakers. The Bengals' defense has played well of late and should get the win. Prediction: Bengals 24, Colts 17

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-3)

Nick Foles has played like one of the NFL's better quarterbacks since stepping in for Michael Vick. He has a favorable matchup against Detroit's secondary. The Lions are the Lions after all, so expect some mental breakdowns on their end. Prediction: Eagles 34, Lions 27

Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

Even though the Steelers lost to the Ravens last week, they've still had a solid last month of football. The Dolphins have done a decent job ignoring the off-field distractions to play well on the field. But it won't be enough this week. Prediction: Steelers 20, Dolphins 16

Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)

The Buccaneers have somehow won three games in a row, and have looked decent in the process. It offers some positive signs for the future. Look for the Bucs to get another win against a Bills team that struggles defending the run. Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Bills 21

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-12)

Peyton Manning claims he's the same quarterback in the cold, despite the otherwise 3-7 record. Look for the Broncos to run Knowshon Moreno early and often to set up the passing game. Prediction: Broncos 30, Titans 21

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (-6.5)

The Cardinals will hope Carson Palmer's injured elbow is all well by Sunday. If so, look for Arizona and the suddenly high-flying passing attack to air it out against St. Louis. Prediction: Cardinals 34, Rams 20

New York Giants at San Diego Chargers (-3)

Philip Rivers has had a bit of a resurgence this season, even though the Chargers' record doesn't indicate it. The Giants have an average-at-best secondary and Rivers should be able to take advantage of it. Prediction: Chargers 27, Giants 23

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-2.5)

The Seahawks typically do well against the 49ers. Just look at this year's earlier meeting. You can also make the case that no quarterback (not named Peyton Manning) is playing better than Russell Wilson. The 49ers are favored but the Seahawks, like they did against the Saints, could once again surprise those tuning in to watch this game. Prediction: Seahawks 34, 49ers 24

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (off)

The Vegas folks don't want to put a line on this now given the uncertainty as to whether Aaron Rodgers will play or not. Thing is, either way, the Packers will likely win. Prediction (with Rodgers): Packers 34, Falcons 20; Prediction (without Rodgers): Packers 24, Falcons 20.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-3)

Sunday Night Football once again gets a great game this week, this time featuring two top teams in the NFC South. The Panthers are playing great football and the Saints will look to rebound after last week's loss to Seattle. Drew Brees at home gets the edge in what should be a great matchup. Prediction: Saints 27, Panthers 26

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears (-1)

Both defenses can't defend the run so look for DeMarco Murray and Matt Forte to both have big games. This should be an entertaining Monday Night game, with Tony Romo leading the Cowboys to a win in the fourth quarter. Prediction: Cowboys 33, Bears 31