Conquering the Grueling Stretch Run Starting in Week 14

With 4 weeks left in the NFL regular season, it is the beginning of what can be dubbed the final stretch. It is the time of the year when teams are looking to string wins together to clinch the division title or a wild card berth. Week 14 began on Thursday Night Football and perhaps the best matchup of the season, with the Green Bay Packers traveling to face their divisional rivals, the Detroit Lions. In a thrilling game with four lead changes, the Lions escaped with a narrow win by a field goal. The game was determined by the performances of both teams on third and fourth down. The Packers converted 1 of their five on third down attempts, while the Lions were 7 of 15 and 4 of 5 on fourth downs. With the game tied 31-31 and 43 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Lions’ Coach Dan Campbell took a bold risk of attempting to convert a 4th&1 at the Packers 21-yard line instead of kicking the field goal and giving the ball back. The gamble paid off with David Montgomery picking up the yardage in the run game, and the Lions ran out the clock and kicked the game-winning field goal. At 12-1, the Lions have the edge for the number one seed and in the division over the Vikings by a game and the Packers by three games, or effectively four since they won the head-to-head matchups. In this article, we will break down the five hottest remaining on the week 14 schedule.

Last week’s record: 4-1
Overall Record: 44-21

1. Cleveland Browns (3-9) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS

These two teams met two weeks ago in Cleveland in blizzard conditions, with the Browns shocking the Steelers with the come-from-behind win late in the fourth quarter. Jameis Winston was incredible in that performance, and last week played well statistically against the Broncos in almost every category. Winston completed 34 of 58 passes, 497 yards and four touchdowns. However, the performance was marred by three interceptions, two returned for touchdowns by the defense. On the other hand, Russell Wilson had his best game as a Steeler last week by throwing for 414 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. I think back-to-back road games will be difficult for the Browns, and their pass defense was exposed in Denver. Pittsburgh will be looking to get revenge, and I think this defense will feast on a few more Winston turnovers.

Steelers 24-Browns 15

2. Atlanta Falcons (6-6) at Minnesota Vikings (10-2)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET Fox

These two teams are heading in the opposite direction in standings. The Vikings are on a five-game winning streak, while the Falcons are on a three-game losing streak because of their abysmal offensive execution. The Falcons have averaged 13 points per game, including a loss against the struggling New Orleans Saints. The storyline heading into the game is that the matchup will be Kirk Cousins’ first game in Minnesota after signing a 4-year, 180 million dollar deal with the Falcons in free agency. Cousins has struggled in the losing streak by throwing 0 touchdowns and six interceptions. However, it will not be easy against Brian Flores’ defense which ranks fifth in points allowed with 18.6 points per game. I think Sam Darnold will take advantage of the pass defense by utilizing Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson. I have the home team winning this game easily in the end.

Vikings 30-Falcons 20

3. Seattle Seahawks (7-5) at Arizona Cardinals (6-6)-Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET CBS

Like the Pittsburgh-Cleveland matchup, these two teams met in week 12, with the Seahawks winning in a low-scoring matchup. It appears the Cardinals lost their momentum in that game and stumbled to another loss last week against the Vikings on the road. On the other hand, the Seahawks built on that victory with an impressive comeback from 21-7 on the road to score the final 19 points of the game against the Jets. I think Seattle has taken the opportunity to take a stranglehold on this division, and I think they will create separation in this game. The defense will be able to restrict Kyler Murray, and Geno Smith has been making the right plays when his team needs it the most.

Seahawks 20-Cardinals 17

4. Buffalo Bills (10-2) at Los Angeles Rams (6-6)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET Fox

The Rams were desperate for a win last week after getting blasted by the Philadelphia Eagles in week 12. Matthew Stafford rebounded by throwing two touchdowns, and the defense limited the struggling Saints keeping them in touch within the division. The Bills improved the Rams position last week with the destruction of the San Francisco 49ers 35-10. However, this will be a long trip east to west coast for the Bills. Despite the injuries handed to quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills offense will be too much for a young Rams defense. Allen will continue to make his MVP case in America’s Game of the Week.

Bills 31-Rams 23

5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET NBC

This is the best game for the weekend. The Chargers rebounded after losing to the Ravens on Monday Night Football by winning a low-scoring game in Atlanta. On the other hand, the Chiefs were in trouble facing the threat of a game-winning field goal leading the Raiders 19-17. However, a bad snap led to a turnover, and the Chiefs recovered for the win. The two-time defending champions have won a record 14th straight one-score games, and the last matchup was a low-scoring 17-10 earlier this season. I think a similar game will play out among these divisional rivals, but Mahomes will find a way at home for another close win.

Chiefs 23-Chargers 20