Week 14 NFL Preview

Derek Carr looks to get a signature win against the Chiefs in a game that has playoff implications.

December 8, 2016

Chiefs (9-3) vs Raiders (10-2): Thursday, December 8, 7:25 PM on NFLN, NBC, Arrowhead Stadium

For possibly the first time in the history of Thursday Night Football, they will feature a game that matters. As the season comes to an end this AFC West matchup could decide who comes out of the division. The Raiders are riding a 6 game win streak in large part due to the trio of Quarterback Derek Carr and receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper. Carr is in the midst of the best season he’s had in his young career. He has put himself in the middle of the MVP race, and is looking to lock up the top seed in the AFC. As for the Chiefs, their defense is currently one of the best in football. Yardage wise, they haven’t been great this year as they rank 29th in the NFL. However, there +14 turnover differential, which ranks 1st in the NFL, is the driving force behind their success. Alex Smith has continued to be a game manager, and it has helped the Chiefs. Smith has consistently handed the ball to his running backs, but made plays when need be. He’s only thrown 4 interceptions this year, a large reason why the Chiefs turnover differential is so big. This game seems like a heavyweight fight between the Raiders offense and the Chiefs defense. The winner of this game will come down to who makes a play at crucial points in the game, and I think the Raiders will.

Raider 27 – Chiefs 23

Fantasy Sleeper: Tyreek Hill (owned in 61.2 % of ESPN Leagues)

Tyreek Hill is a very productive option to play at flex. Since week 7 Hill has averaged over 11 fantasy points per week. He’s a threat through the ground, and he’s become one of Alex Smith’s safety valves. If Hill is available in your league I recommend picking him up, he could play a large role in a playoff run.

Packers (6-6) vs Seahawks (8-3-1): Sunday, December 11, 3:25 PM on FOX

Lambeau Field

This week’s matchup has major playoff implications, as the Seahawks will visit a hot Packers team. The Packers confidence is only going up, as they have battled back from injuries and poor play to reach .500. With the Packers playing their best football of the season, they need a win here. However, their defense is still a big concern. Though they held the Texans’ offense in check last week, we can’t be sure of what this indicates as their offense has been atrocious all season. The Seahawks have a potent offense, shown in their last game against the Panthers where they put up 40 points. If the Packets can’t keep Russell Wilson in check, they will need to rely on Aaron Rodgers winning a shootout. That is exactly what the Seahawks would like, as they still have one of the best defenses in the league. The Seahawks look like the better team, and should come out on top.

Seahawks 31-20

Sleeper: Tyler Lockett (owned in 26.2% of ESPN leagues)

Though you can probably call Lockett’s 75 yard rushing TD last week a fluke, the Packers’ secondary is not very good. Thus, the speedy WR can be a sleeper for the week, especially after having a decent amount of targets last week.

Photo by Fox Sports
After a week in which Odell Beckham Jr. voiced his frustration of referees, he must back up his claims by showing up on the field.

Giants (8-4) vs Cowboys (11-1): Sunday, December 11, 7:30 PM on NBC, MetLife Stadium

This is a huge rivalry game with the number 1 seed in the division on the line. The Cowboys are on an 11 game winning streak behind rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot. Their only loss came in week 1 against the Giants. Last week the Cowboys offense did struggle however, putting up low point and yards for their standards. In order to win this week they’ll definitely need to step up their game. Before last week’s loss to the Steelers, the Giants were also looking really strong. This is the last chance for the Giants to make a run for the first spot in the division. Eli Manning and OBJ need to be zoned in the whole game. Their is no margin for turnovers against such a strong Cowboys side. I believe that Eli will be able to take care of the ball and lead the Giants to victory.

Giants 27 – Cowboys 20

Sleeper: Sterling Shepard (owned in 71.4% of ESPN leagues)

With all the attention on OBJ, Shepard will have a lot of opportunities and as long as he takes advantage he could have himself a very good game. He is a developing rookie and Eli Manning is gaining more and more trust in him as their connection grows stronger.

Patriots (10-2) vs Ravens (7-5): Monday, December 12, 7:30 PM on ESPN, Gillette Stadium

This Monday night matchup features two division leaders that would both love wins to help solidify their spots in the playoffs. Although the Patriots are almost guaranteed a spot, a win against a potential playoff team would be huge for them. I predict this matchup to be a very close one largely because of how well the Baltimore defense has been playing this season. Through week 13, they lead the league with only 291.6 yards against per game. However, they’ll be put to the test this week against a red hot Tom Brady who is showing no signs of slowing down. Even with his four game suspension at the beginning of the season, he averages 308.8 yards thrown a game, has thrown 19 touchdown passes, and has only been picked off once. With numbers like that, it’s hard to pick against a Patriots team that could quite possibly find themselves in the Super Bowl come February.

Patriots 27 – Ravens 20

Photo by ESPN
With Tom Brady’s primary receivers injured, Malcolm Mitchell could see a lot of targets.

Fantasy sleeper: Malcolm Mitchell (owned in 43.5% of ESPN leagues)

With Rob Gronkowski out for the season and Danny Amendola out this week with an ankle injury, Mitchell has the potential to have a big role on Monday. Look for the rookie to have a big night after coming off a career-high 67 snap game.

Pick’em Picks:

Overall record:

Obaid: 78-48-2

Andrew: 78-48-2

Nithin: 74-52-2

Jacob: 72-54-2

Last week’s record:

Obaid: 11-4

Andrew: 13-2

Nithin: 11-4

Jacob: 9-6

Chiefs vs Raiders: