DTTWSB Week 14 NFL Picks

We've now entered the final quarter of the regular season in the NFL. With tight divisional races, it's going to be an exciting four weeks. From now until the rest of the season I'll be closely examining all the teams that have a chance at making the playoffs. Right now I can definitively say that there are about seven to eight teams that have a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl. We'll find out if that changes this week. Last week I had a phenomenal record and went 14-2 which brings me to a season total of 119-73. I'm starting to creep back into the running against the ESPN experts. I need another strong week with my picks; with that said here are my picks for Week 14.

Texans at Bengals: Bengals

In a game that the Bengals absolutely have to have I think they'll get it. They cannot afford to lose at home against the Texans and their third-string quarterback TJ Yates. Last week the Bengals played poorly at Pittsburgh and need a bounce-back game. I think the Bengals are too aggressive defensively for rookie quarterback TJ Yates. Cincinnati has a good run defense that can slow down Arian Foster and Ben Tate. In order for the Bengals to be in playoff contention they need to win this game. There crowd will be in full force. It will be interesting to see how this young team responds on Sunday. I think they respond very well behind rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.

Bears at Broncos: Broncos

What a game we have on deck in the afternoon time slot. We finally get to see Tim Tebow against a bonafide NFL defense. This game is huge for both teams. Even though they play in separate conferences I think there will be a playoff atmosphere at Mile High Stadium on Sunday. The home crowd gets to see Tebowmania first hand once again. I actually like the Broncos to win a close low-scoring ball game. The Bears are going down a slippery slope right now. Their quarterback and running back are out for what looks like the rest of the regular season. I do think that the Bears defense will slow down the Tebow train because they typically do well against running quarterbacks. It will be a hard-hitting battle that will go down to the wire. In close fourth quarter games, I'll definitely take Tebow more times than not.

Raiders at Packers: Packers

The undefeated defending Super Bowl champions put their 12-0 record on the line this Sunday when they host the Oakland Raiders. Last week the Packers were pushed to the limit when they faced the Giants in the Meadowlands. Each week this team is the favorite and they don't disappoint because of their quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That passing game is unconscious right now. With all that said, out of their final four games I think this Raiders game will be the toughest. Oakland is a team that can run the ball with the best of them. If they're able to do consistently run the rock they'll be able to keep Rodgers on the sideline. At the end of the day, I don't think Carson Palmer will be able to make enough plays against this opportunistic Packers defense. This game will be competitive for three quarters but the Packers will pull away late and win by two scores.

Giants at Cowboys: Cowboys

Oh boy, this is the game of the week. In my opinion, the winnner of this game is going to win the NFC East. The NFL has done a masterful job by pushing most of the divisional matchups toward the end of the season and this is why. These two rivals absolutely hate each other. I expect to see a playoff atmosphere at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday night. For the Cowboys, they should be able to move the ball on the Giants defense as long as they keep Tony Romo upright. Romo gets one of his favorite targets back in Miles Austin. On the other side, the Giants have had some recent success against the Cowboys in Dallas. The Giants have the ability to run the ball on the Cowboys because they have in the past. At the end of the day if any of these two teams want to be taken serious they have to win this game convincingly. With one eye open I'm taking the Cowboys to step up at home.

***Upset Special***
Saints at Titans: Titans

In my upset special I like the Tennessee Titans to knock off the New Orleans Saints at home. Since Chris Johnson has decided to wake up, the Titans have looked really good the past few weeks. This is the ultimate trap game for the Saints in my opinion. Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had a lot of success against that Saints defense last postseason when he was playing for the Seahawks. Typically New Orleans struggles, especially on defense, when they're away from the friendly confines of the Superdome. My biggest fear with this pick is that Drew Brees is able to constantly find tight end Jimmy Graham. As long as the Titans are able to control the clock, which I think they will, they should win in a close game.

The rest of the week's picks:

Browns at Steelers: Steelers
Vikings at Lions: Lions
Eagles at Dolphins: Dolphins
Chiefs at Jets: Jets
Patriots at Redskins: Patriots
Falcons at Panthers: Falcons
Buccaneers at Jaguars: Buccaneers
Colts at Ravens: Ravens
49ers at Cardinals: 49ers
Bills at Chargers: Chargers
Rams at Seahawks: Seahawks