If the season have been to finish in the present day, the Ravens, Steelers and Browns can be within the playoffs. Nevertheless, that will not be the case following this week. Listed here are our predictions for Week 14.
New England Patriots (2-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5): The Steelers try to bounce again after struggling their most embarrassing lack of the season to the Cardinals every week in the past. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it has an amazing alternative to just do that on “Thursday Night time Soccer” when it hosts one of many worst groups within the league. The Patriots are averaging the least factors per sport (12.3) and fifth least complete yards per sport (290.4) within the league.
The Steelers will probably be with out second-year QB Kenny Pickett as he heals from ankle surgical procedure, which ought to sideline him for two to 4 weeks. However for this reason they gave backup QB Mitchell Trubisky a contract extension within the offseason, to step up and win when wanted. It will not be all on the shoulders of Trubisky both as Pittsburgh’s protection is quietly permitting the sixth least factors per sport (19.1). There are not any excuses for shedding this one.
PREDICTION: Steelers, 20-13
Los Angeles Rams (6-6) at Baltimore Ravens (9-3): The Ravens return from their Week 13 bye because the AFC’s No. 2 seed after the Chiefs (8-4) and Jaguars (8-4) misplaced final week. The one crew that stands between them and the No. 1 seed is the Dolphins (9-3), who they will face in Week 17. Till then, Baltimore should care for enterprise, beginning with the Rams this week. It would possible proceed to lean on its rush assault, which ranks as the perfect within the NFL (158.6 yards per sport), and its dominant protection, which is permitting the least factors per sport (15.6) and second least complete yards per sport (273.9).
Los Angeles is starting to warmth up, averaging 30 factors per sport on its three-game win streak, so this one could possibly be a better affair than some might imagine. Nevertheless, the Rams protection ranks in the midst of the pack in most classes this season, giving the Ravens the sting on this one.
PREDICTION: Ravens, 27-23
Indianapolis Colts (7-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-6): The Bengals are on cloud 9 after upsetting the Jaguars in Week 13’s finale on “Monday Night time Soccer.” QB Jake Browning had a profession sport, finishing 32-of-37 for 354 yards and recording two complete touchdowns. It’s actually constructing again the boldness of the crew however whether or not final week’s efficiency was a fluke or not continues to be unknown.
Cincinnati could have a great alternative to show it will possibly stack good performances with its new quarterback because the Colts are permitting the sixth most factors per sport (24.7) and seventh-most complete yards per sport (355.3). It will not be simple, nevertheless, as QB Gardner Minshew, who has been some of the shocking gamers this yr, is main an offense that’s averaging the eighth most factors per sport (25). This one must be shut, however Minshew has simply been discovering a method to win on the Colts’ four-game win streak.
PREDICTION: Colts, 24-21
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) at Cleveland Browns (7-5): The Browns protection, which is permitting the least complete yards per sport (260.5) within the league, was uncovered final week by the Rams. DE Myles Garrett, who has been coping with a shoulder harm, is clearly not wholesome as he had the primary sport in his profession with out a single sort out, per ESPN Stats & Data. The Jaguars could also be with out QB Trevor Lawrence, who suffered a excessive ankle sprain on “MNF,” but when Cleveland’s protection struggles once more, it will not matter who’s enjoying quarterback.
However, QB Joe Flacco appeared good in his first begin with the crew, finishing 23-of-44 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Browns have closely relied on their run sport all season and Jacksonville will make issues tough, permitting the fifth least dashing yards per sport (93.1). Cleveland is the AFC’s No. 6 seed with simply 5 weeks left within the common season, however it will not be after this week, leaving the Ravens and Steelers because the lone representatives of the AFC North within the playoff image.
PREDICTION: Jaguars, 20-17
