NFL Week 14, 2024: The Final Stretch
Home field advantages are all in play.
NFL Quick Hitters:
The hit - I’ve heard enough about the hit on Trevor Lawrence. It’s not that complicated. I love hard hits and the defense but that was a cheap shot. The QB had given himself up. The defender went straight with the forearm to the head. It’s an easy call. And stop with all the QB using the rules against the defense. If the QB is going down the sidelines and he is still in bounds hit him. Period. Hit him hard. Legally but hard. If you get a penalty at least you got a shot on the QB. If they are in a slide, it is no longer a legal hit. The ball will be spotted where the slide was started. Hit ‘em on the sidelines. Tap ‘em on the slide.
Eagles - They made a statement against the Ravens. The game wasn’t really that close. Eagles punched the Ravens in the mouth. They wore the Ravens down. Their defensive line is the best in the league. Eagles may be the best team in the league right now. Ravens are trending the wrong way but hope is on the way. They have an easy schedule to finish the year. They should roll into the playoffs with some confidence.
Last week with byes - Full slate of games from next week on. The playoffs will be fun but I’m already missing football.
NFL Games: Week 13
Last week’s totals: 15 - 1: Good week of picks. Come on Ravens. I was one pick from a perfect week. Season’s totals: 126 - 52
Survivor pick/Lock of the week: (current streak 10) Bengals - There are lots of games this week that are better locks than this game. Eagles over the Panthers, no brainer. But I thought I’d make it exciting. Joe Burrows goes crazy. Bengals win.
(Oh, and if you use these picks - or the fantasy lineup at the bottom - to gamble do so at your own risks. I’m a ‘gut feel’ type of picker. I don’t do a computer analysis.)
Week 14: Thursday Night Game
Packers vs. Lions - Sticking with the Lions until they get beat. They are heading for a showdown with the Eagles in the NFC Championship game.
Sunday Games:
Jets vs. Dolphins - Interesting game. Both of these teams have issues and have underperformed this season. Dolphins are at home and are still working as a team. Dolphins win.
Falcons vs. Vikings - Vikings dominate this game. I think the Falcons will want to make Cousins’ home coming a win but they don’t have the horses. Vikings have to keep pace. This could be ugly and start the Penix era. Vikings win.
Saints vs. Giants - Ugh game of the week. Saints win.
Panthers vs. Eagles - Rout. Barkley secures the MVP. Eagles win.
Browns vs. Steelers - This is a division game. It shouldn’t be that close. But it will be. Interceptions and sacks tell the tale. Steelers win.
Raiders vs. Buccaneers - Close game. Raiders are coming off of an emotional game. An emotional loss. Mayfield makes just enough plays. Bucs win.
Jaguars vs. Titans - Ugh game 2. Titans at home. jags will find a way to lose. They’re the bizarro-Chiefs. Titans win.
Seahawks vs. Cardinals - Cardinals are hard to pick. But I think they bounce back. Cardinals win.
Bills vs. Rams - Trap game? Bills play the Lions next week. Sorry. No upset. Bills win.
Bears vs. 49ers - Dangerous game. But 49ers are in a must win situation. 49ers find a way. 49ers win.
Chargers vs. Chiefs - Good, exciting game. Chiefs play well. Chiefs win.
Monday Night Game
Bengals vs. Cowboys - Cowboys’ woes continue. Parsons is a big concern for the Bengals but Joe figures it out and goes wild. Bengals win.
My FanDuel lineup: (Good week, + $30: score 126.78) Week 14: Allen, Barkley, White, Cooper, Valdes-Scantliing, Mooney, Gray, Conners, Vikings.
Season score: +$75
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