Well football fans after 17 weeks of action it all comes down to the next few weeks. That’s right, quicker then Chris Johnson can run, the season has come and gone and now we are on to the playoffs. This week we have four big match-ups, three of which are rematches of games played just last week. I would not put too much faith into those games however as it seems that some of the teams held back the “A” game plans so they did not show their best stuff, or at least that is what the fans of those respective teams hope?

So I’m here this week to bring you my breakdown and predicitions for a wild weekend of playoff action. It sure will be tough to predict with head over heart, but hey that’s why we do this stuff. Okay, so here are the break downs:

AFC Games

4. Cincinnati Bengals vs 5. New York Jets

The Jets got into the playoffs on the last day of the season after blowing out the Bengals on Sunday night. The Bengals sat several of their usual starters, but also face some injury issues as well as the mental ramifications of the loss of teammate Chris Henry heading into this game.

Offense: Seems like a very long time ago that Carson Palmer was considered an elite QB in this league. Ever since the knee injury he suffered a few years back in the playoffs against the Steelers, he has never really been the same. That being said, the Bengals rely heavily on a running attack that was ranked ninth in the league. Chad Ochocinco still gets his catches and Cedric Benson leads the way on the ground. Given how well the Jets play defense on the ground, Palmer will need to step up from his performance of the 26st ranked passing offense to have a chance here.

The Jets are led by rookie QB Mark Sanchez, who learned after his first few weeks that the NFL is no joke. The Jets rely heavily on their running attack and finished ranked first in the entire NFL this season in rushing yardage. Thomas Jones seems tougher then ever, and if he can carry it effectivly, it will reduce the chance of Sanchez turning it over and making the Jets rely on a 31st ranked passing offense.

Advantage: Bengals

Defense: The Bengals had a very good year on defense. That’s right, they were more reliant on their defense then their offense for a change. This team that finished sixth in total defense, seventh against the rush, and sixth against the pass. The team is also one of the tops in the league in getting turnovers and has ballhawks all over the secondary. The key is to not be outthought, otherwise this is a team that can wreck havoc in the playoffs.

The Jets followed the lead of their first year head coach Rex Ryan and finished with the overall number 1 defense in the league. Eighth against the rush, first against the pass, and also first in points allowed. They are led by Darelle Revis who many consider to be the best cover corner in the game, and Ryan has brought his all-out blitzing style from Baltimore.

Advantage: Jets

Overall Outlook: Let’s face it, no one on the planet expected the Bengals to be a playoff team this year. Yes, they won their division but to look back at the Steelers, Ravens, and Browns, those games were against average to below average teams. Yes they played some big games and are 6-2 at home, but they face a hard nosed, smash-mouth football team here, and may look over-matched. The Jets do not weaken on the road as they finished 5-3 away from home. I see the Jets defense handling the business here and doing enough ground work on offense to take the upset, and a rematch of the win a few weeks back against the Colts.

Prediction: Jets 24 Bengals 17

3. New England Patriots vs 6. Baltimore Ravens

The Patriots got banged up in the season finale, but do you ever look past Tom Brady? The Ravens with coach John Harbaugh make the post-season for the secnd straight year.

Offense: If anything, the Pats have found some kind of running game this year. Granted it is the usual group effort, but with Maroney, Taylor, Morris, Faulk and well anyone else to wear a Pats’ helmet, they managed to finish ranked 12th. The passing game was as good as ever, finishing third overall. However, the offense has lost star Wes Welker for the season who hauled in 123 catches this season. The guy dubbed a “Welker Clone,” Justin Edelman will have to step it up big time to take pressure off of Randy Moss and the line will have to buy Brady time.

The Ravens run, run, and run and do it well with the likes of Ray Rice and a revamped Willis McGahee, finishing 5th overall in rush yards. Second year QB Joe Flacco looked at times seems to have regressed, had a hard time finding receivers with a passing attack that finished 18th overall. His main weapon is the aging and often banged up Derrick Mason, and one wonders if he has enough weapons at receiver.

Advantage: Patriots

Defense: The Patriots are not the squad from the Super Bowl years, but still managed to finish seventh overall. They were 13th against the rush and appear to be slipping, and 12th against the pass. Belichick is still a clever defensive mind and can shake it up and mix it up with the best of them, yet it remains to be seen if he has enough talent on the field to get the job done.

The Ravens are also a small step behind on defense, but finished third overall in total defense in the NFL. They are ranked fifth against the run and eighth against the pass, and we have to believe that All-Pro safety Ed Reed will find a way back. The Ravens still know how to get to the QB and still know how to get turnovers. If they can find a way to get to Brady and shake him up along with the Pats injuries, they can make a game of it.

Advantage: Ravens

Overall Outlook: The Patriots were 10-6 last year and did not make the playoffs, which proves they still can win games. They were 8-0 at home this year and that’s where this game takes place. The Ravens struggle on the road and were 3-5 overall away from home this season. The offense still does not seem ready for prime-time and this is not the match-up for mistakes. Tom Brady will live to play another day, but as much as everyone wants to see an Indy rematch, we’ll have to wait. The Pats will still have to beat San Diego and well, that’s another story for another week.

Prediction: Patriots 31 Ravens 17

NFC Games

4. Arizona Cardinals vs 5. Green Bay Packers

In the season finale the Packers crushed the Cardinals who played without QB Kurt Warner. The Cardinals are the defending NFC Champions, while the Packers return to the playoffs without Brett Favre for the first time in three decades.

Offense: The ageless wonder Kurt Warner continues to push forward and lead this offense. The Cardinals finished 11th overall in total offense this past season. They also have one of the very best receiving groups in the NFL, but may have to do it without Anquan Boldin who suffered an ankle injury last week. None of that seems to matter to Larry Fitzgerald, who always looks like a man amongst boys on the field. As usual, the Cards rush attack was below average at best finishing 28th overall, but rookie Beanie Wells showed some life late in the season.

If there is a team out there that can run with the Cards on offense, it’s the Packers. They finished third overall this season and have weapons all over the field. WRs Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones can play a possessions game or can burn you deep. Ryan Grant leads a solid rush attack as well. QB Aaron Rodgers knows full well that a victory here can give him one more shot at beating Brett Favre and officially cement him as THE man in Green Bay. He may have lost twice this season, but a post-season win over his rival is what will be remembered when this season is over.

Advantage: EVEN

Defense: The Cardinals have never been known much for defense but did manage to finish 15th this season, yet they dont stop either form of offense very well as they are ranked 17th against the run and 23rd against the pass. Add to it that their top corner Dominique Rogers-Cromartie is likely to miss the game with injury, and the Cards can be in for a long day stopping the high powered Packers offense.

The Packers step on to the field with the third best defense in the league and are first against the run, which is not what the Cards weak rushing attack wants to see. They also managed to finish fifth against the pass, and have a defensive MVP candidate in Charles Woodson. The Packers seem to have found the secrets of the 3-4 defense, and the linebackers have been playing great football. Now its up to the secondary to take down the Cards big three receivers.

Advantage: Packers

Overall Outlook: To me this year’s Packers look like last years Cardinals. They got red hot at the right time, and may be looked upon as underdogs. Last year Mike McCarthy’s team started stong and finished weak. This season it seems like they worked the kinks out early and are ready for a big run. The Cardinals are very enigmatic this year, and you don’t really know what team is showing up. Only 4-4 at home this year, they actually see an opponent come to town with a more favorable record as the Pack was 5-3 on the road. Bring on Favre and the Vikes, one more time.

Prediction: Packers 34 Cardinals 27

3. Dallas Cowboys vs 6. Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas man-handled the Eagles in the season finale to take the NFC East division title. Dallas looks to buck history and beat the Eagles three times this year.

Offense: At times this season, Tony Romo and the ‘Boys looked lost. Terrible performances against Washington, Green Bay, etc. led many to believe that T.O. was a bigger loss then Dallas led on. Then there were games like last week when a true balanced attack made the Eagles look meek. Romo has never faired well in playoff games so this one looms large for him. The Cowboys offense was 14th overall this year, so it is right in the middle of the pack. The Cowboys running game will have to create space, finishing seventh overall on the season.

Someone forgot to wake up Donovan McNabb last week and tell him there was a game on. McNabb in the past has had good success against the Cowboys, and he certainly has weapons to work with. He still leads the fifth ranked offense and does it mostly through the air, where the Birds finished ranked 10th. The birds need a running game to show up, whether it will be the power of Leonard Weaver or the speed of McCoy and Westbrook. They also need a whole lot more out of All-Pro “Mr Everything” DeSean Jackson.

Advantage: Eagles

Defense: The Cowboys looked like the team of the 90′s again, as they finished number two in the league in overall defense this year. Despite the great numbers, they were 20th against the pass, so the Eagles can spread them out and make things tough for them. They have a true superstar in DeMarcus Ware on that defense and he always makes it tough and looks like a modern day Lawrence Taylor.

Blitz? Where was the Eagles bread and butter last week? Maybe they didn’t want to show too much, but Tony Romo had all day to throw last week. The Eagles finished a very unusual 19th in defense this year, but still finished amongst the top teams in turnovers and sacks, they will need lots more of that to stand a chance here.

Advantage: Cowboys

Overall Outlook: It is always so tough to beat a team 3 times in the same year. Dallas played the Eagles tough in Philly earlier this year and took them apart in Dallas last week. However come playoff time the Eagles seem to find a way to come together and play tough as a team. They have played from the 6 spot before, they have been to the NFC Champ game 5 times under Reid and somehow, some way will find their way past this one in what will be the best of the games on opening weekend.

Prediction: Eagles 28 Cowboys 27

Come back next week and see my previews of the Divisonal Playoff games.

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We are ever so closer to some to possibly the best playoffs in all of American sports when the NFL playoffs start in January. Starting this Thursday Night we will be three weeks away from the playoffs beginning as the playoff picture will be that much more clearly following the weekend games. Let’s take a look at some of the key matchups in Week 15 of the NFL!

The New Orleans Saints will look to improve to 14-0 as they take on the Dallas Cowboys Saturday night live in the Superdome. The Cowboys are a team that enjoys self destructing in the month of December and more importantly I enjoy watching them self destruct in December. The Cowboys lack leaderships in many positions and this is probably the last season where the head coach, quarterback or both are working with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas enjoys giving the NFC East to either the Philadelphia Eagles or the New York Giants this time of the year. It’s usually a great holiday gift to both franchises and the Cowboys love putting the bow on the division during this time of the year. The Saints will help add to the Cowboys’ holiday help by defeating them what is becoming the hardest place to win a road game, the superdome. I can not wait to watch the pregame shows on Sunday morning to hear about how the Cowboys are collapsing again.

The Titans/Dolphins game will eliminate one of these two teams from playoff contention this week. Whoever wins this game will be still holding on by the edge of their teeth while the other prepares their vacation plans for January. I really like watching the Vince Young experiment in Tennessee this season and should be interesting to see if he can be as dominant leading into the 2010 season for the Titans as he is their to stay as their Quarterback now.

I like the Titans in this one because they are playing with “house money.” They have nothing to lose at this point. They either make it in the playoffs or they don’t and they are playing every game as if it is the actual Super Bowl. The other motivation for this Titans teams is Chris Johnson’s pursuit of eclipsing Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record. He has already claimed he will break the record and a very motivated (and very fast) Chris Johnson is going to be tough to beat.

The Eagles/49ers is another key matchup this week as the Eagles may be on step closer to the NFC East crown or the 49ers may still hold onto their playoff hopes. The Eagles could be that team in the NFC playoffs that surprises and shocks teams like the Saints & Vikings. I really think the Eagles are going to win this one against the Niners ending any chance they had making the playoffs.

San Francisco is going to be a good team next season for sure. People in San Fran are still a little weary on Alex Smith as your starting quarterback but I think Mike Singletary is on the verge of making this franchise a top team again in the NFC. They will be eliminated from the playoff push this season but they will eventually be a top team along with Green Bay & Atlanta as teams that will be atop the NFC soon.

Finally I’m going to take a look at an eventual playoff matchup that has a first round bye on the line. The San Diego Chargers will take on their very emotionally heavy Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are going into this game with their hearts on their sleeve after losing teammate Chris Henry on Thursday which can honestly work for or against the Bengals favor.

Either way the Chargers are the best “under the radar” team in the NFL right now and a red hot this season on their way to the AFC West crown. If it wasn’t for the Colts & Saints this would be the team everyone is talking about. They are the AFC’s version of the Philadelphia Eagles as they always seem to fall under radar and always seem to have a good season year in and year out. I like the Chargers in this one as they will be on their way to a first round bye in the AFC playoffs.

Now onto my Week 15 picks…

Week 15 Picks:

Saints over Cowboys
Chiefs over Browns
Jets over Falcons
Titans over Dolphins
Texans over Rams
Cardinals over Lions
Eagles over 49ers
Patriots over Bills
Ravens over Bears
Broncos over Raiders
Chargers over Bengals
Seahawks over Buccaneers
Packers over Steelers
Vikings over Panthers
Giants over Redskins

Week 14 Record: 12-4

2009 Record: 133-61

Want to challenge my picks? Send me an e-mail at wheelhouseradio.jp@gmail.com and remember to tune in Thursday December 17th @ 8pm ET/5pm PT at www.blogtalkradio.com/thewheelhouse for your chance to win a “prize pack” by picking the most correct NFL games courtesy of The Wheelhouse!

Jeff Peck is the producer for the “Wheelhouse Radio” program that airs every Sunday – Thursday @ 8pm ET/5pm PT at http://www.wheelhouseradio.wordpress.com

You can visit The Wheelhouse’s official website where you can download “high quality” shows & see all the latest happenings with the show at http://wheelhouseradio.wordpress.com.

If you would like to subscribe to “The Wheelhouse” on iTunes simply subscribe for free at iTunes by typing in “Wheelhouse Radio!”

You can follow Wheelhouse Radio! on Twitter by visiting their page @ www.twitter.com/thewheelhouse and you can e-mail them @ wheelhouseradio@gmail.com.

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Check out the NFL Film Classics – Legends of Autumn, Vols. 1-3 DVD by clicking here.

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Order the Madden NFL 10: Official Strategy Game Guide by clicking here.

If you think you can fare better then me or the rest of The Wheelhouse Radio crew join us every Thursday Night during our live broadcast at www.blogtalkradio.com/thewheelhouse you will have the chance to win a “prize pack” (some of which will include stuff from our good friends at EA SPORTS!). All you have to do is beat our weekly NFL Pick Em’ guru…Copernicus! You beat him that week you get a prize pack from us! For more info visit our official website at http://wheelhouseradio.wordpress.com.

First off let me apologize for not writing a preview the last two weeks. Was busy with the Thanksgiving holiday and other things but alas I am back to preview Week 14 in the NFL. Let’s take a look at some of the important matchups we get to look forward to this week in the NFL.

Kicking off the preview we will first start off taking a look at the Colts/Broncos game. A game that is a potentially an AFC Divisional Playoff match come January. The Colts are looking to stay undefeated and improve to 13-0 while the Broncos are looking to increase their chance on capturing a wild card playoff spot or make a final run at the AFC West Championship. Two teams with completely different goals right now since one team has already made their playoff stance known.

This is a game the Broncos need but the Colts want. No matter who you are, in any sport you ever played, you want to be the best. The Colts want to be undefeated. They want to go 16-0 into the playoffs and finish their season 19-0. The Broncos need to be in the playoffs. Josh McDaniels needs to prove to everyone that he is a good coach and can take a team lead by Kyle Orton of all people to a playoff position.

While both teams will be playing with some sort of desire throughout the game I still believe the Colts will win this one. The Colts for weeks were playing teams, letting them stay close with them and then winning. Last week I think we saw what the Colts were really like by dominating the game for just about the entire game. The Broncos will lose but will bounce back on their way into the playoffs.

In a match that could potentially be a Super Bowl matchup (whether we may like it or not) the Bengals will be taking on the Minnesota Vikings. Let’s be honest here. These two teams are in the Top 3 of their conferences. We won’t hear it from the NFL experts but the Bengals/Vikings could be played in February with the World Championship on the line.

The Vikings played HORRIBLE against a very surprising Arizona Cardinals team last week on primetime. So much so that it may have scared Vikings fans that maybe Brett Favre is finally showing signs of a 40-year old quarterback. This is the time of the year when people thought Favre may break down (just like he did last season) in New York and we maybe on the verge of it.

Cincy on the other hand still doesn’t get much respect because they are the Bengals. This is a victory that will be a statement game for the Bengals and help seal up the AFC North. The Bengals are fighting for a first round bye in the AFC playoffs and should get a step closer with a victory over Minnesota this Sunday.

It’s December again which means the Dallas Cowboys should begin breaking down and missing the playoffs again after being an NFC favorite team. This will continue to happen as the San Diego Chargers should defeat the Dallas Cowboys this week. San Diego is on fire in the NFL right now on their way to another AFC West Championship while the Dallas Cowboys are already forming reasons why they lose in December.

Tony Romo is not a leader and Wade Phillips is not a coach. If this game is even close I will be surprised. The media has some sort of power of this Dallas Cowboys team where they can convince them that they will lose again in December. It’s going to be a cold December in Dallas again this season which should open the door for the next matchup.

The Giants/Eagles will be one heck of a matchup on Sunday night and will help shape the NFC Playoffs. If the Eagles win it’s over for the Giants, if the Giants win we will have the Dallas Cowboys on the verge of crapping themselves as the Eagles & Giants are breathing down their December necks. The Giants are looking like the team that started playing in the start of the season and Philadelphia is looking like they always do this time of the year this past decade.

Philly is a strong team and is playing like they always do. The Giants want this game more then the Eagles do and the win against Dallas is giving them some confidence as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. Eli Manning isn’t the leader they thought he was and it’s allowing other players like Brandon Jacobs and Osi Umenyiora to step up as leaders. I like the Giants in this one and giving us another NFC East shootout in the final weeks of the regular season.

Should be a great week as we get on step closer to January football and the playoffs!

Now onto my Week 14 picks…

Week 14 Picks:

Steelers over Browns
Saints over Falcons
Colts over Broncos
Bills over Chiefs
Ravens over Lions
Dolphins over Jaguars
Jets over Buccaneers
Bengals over Vikings
Packers over Bears
Patriots over Panthers
Texans over Seahawks
Redskins over Raiders
Titans over Rams
Chargers over Cowboys
Giants over Eagles
Cardinals over 49ers

Week 13 Record: 9-7

2009 Record: 121-57

Want to challenge my picks? Send me an e-mail at wheelhouseradio.jp@gmail.com and remember to tune in Thursday December 10th @ 8pm ET/5pm PT at www.blogtalkradio.com/thewheelhouse for your chance to win a “prize pack” by picking the most correct NFL games courtesy of The Wheelhouse!

Jeff Peck is the producer for the “Wheelhouse Radio” program that airs every Sunday – Thursday @ 8pm ET/5pm PT at http://www.wheelhouseradio.wordpress.com

You can visit The Wheelhouse’s official website where you can download “high quality” shows & see all the latest happenings with the show at http://wheelhouseradio.wordpress.com.

If you would like to subscribe to “The Wheelhouse” on iTunes simply subscribe for free at iTunes by typing in “Wheelhouse Radio!”

You can follow Wheelhouse Radio! on Twitter by visiting their page @ www.twitter.com/thewheelhouse and you can e-mail them @ wheelhouseradio@gmail.com.

Get your NFL jerseys discounted now on Amazon.com by clicking here

Check out the NFL Film Classics – Legends of Autumn, Vols. 1-3 DVD by clicking here.

Join ESPN Insider today for the best sports analysis online, plus ESPN The Magazine!

Your favorite NFL teams and players gone big – Fathead.com

Order the Madden NFL 10: Official Strategy Game Guide by clicking here.

The NFL playoff picture is finally starting to come together. We know that the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, and New Orleans Saints will be playing in January. Like every other NFL season, the Wild Card situation is a mess. 23 other teams are still alive and need to win-out for any hopes at post season play. In other words, 23 teams will be playing playoff football in week 14 of the 2009 NFL season.

The game with arguably the biggest playoff implications in the NFC will be played between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants on Sunday night. This will be the marquee game of the day and will headline NBC’s Sunday Night Football. The Eagles are tied with the Cowboys for the division, yet the Giants and Eagles are tied for the best record against fellow NFC East teams at 3-1.

The Eagles obliterated the Giants in their first meeting in Week 8. This was the second win in a row over the Giants for the birds, the first coming in the NFC divisional playoff round next year. Under Andy Reid through the decade, the Eagles are 24-11 in November and December against the Giants. Andy Reid can rightfully tell Justin Tuck, “We own you” and mean it.

After rolling to 5-0, the Giants hit a skid. The Giants continue to play inconsistent football winning important conference games against the Cowboys and Falcons, yet looking completely inept against the Denver Broncos. The jury is still out as to how badly hurt Eli Manning really is. At the same time, Brandon Jacobs may finally be coming around after having a big game against the Dallas Cowboys last week. The Giants dominated the Cowboys on the ground, while the Cowboys three touchdowns in the air weren’t enough.

Conversely, the Eagles have been more consistent than anyone in the NFC East. The Eagles are 8-1 against the NFC this season, with their only loss coming against the New Orleans Saints with their backup quarterback playing. The Eagles have been routing teams this season like they did with T.O. back in 2004. The Eagles are genuinely a hot team in December. However, unlike past seasons they have put it together all year long and look like a serious sleeper team in the playoffs.

DeSean Jackson is expected back for the birds, not that they needed him in the rout in Atlanta. I keep waiting for the Eagles to fall apart and well, it hasn’t happened. Andy Reid has a new deal and this team is looking towards January play. I think the Eagles go up to New York and steal one from the Giants. I don’t expect a rout like Week 8, but this team has Eli Manning’s number. Leonard Weaver is getting hot and will give the Giants a taste of their own medicine on the receiving end of a big, bruising back. I predict a win by the birds and people start talking about the birds in the same sentence as the Minnesota Vikings.

Speaking of the Vikings, the Vikings will play in the most intriguing game of the weekend. After being blown out for the first time all season, the Vikings now have the luxury of playing the Cincinnati Bengals. If you thought Brett Favre had problems with the Cardinals, he hasn’t seen anything yet. The Bengals are the overall fourth defense in the NFL. Adrian Peterson is in for another tough day, as the Bengals are the overall number-two rushing defense in the NFL.

If the Vikings have one thing in their favor, it is that they are playing at home. The Vikings are undefeated at home this season. Judging from the last few weeks, Brad Childress may be outcoaching himself. Childress has played with Adrian Peterson’s time and has been putting Chester Taylor in the game more over the last few weeks. He made no adjustments to the Cardinals swarming passing attack and defense last week. New York Jets fans are smiling and have a big, “I told you so” on their faces. Remember, Favre fell apart for the Jets after a flashy start last season. Sunday’s game will be a huge indication on whether this was a twelve-week story or whether a 40-year old quarterback can truly play at a high-level for a full season.

The Bengals have put the division away and are on their way to securing the second seed. The Bengals rolled as expected last week over the Lions. Adrian Peterson hasn’t had over 100 rushing yards in three weeks and the Bengals haven’t given up over 75 rushing yards in three weeks. The Bengals will be looking to grind it out on the ground and play the time of possession game against the Vikings. The Vikings will need to get their passing attack in order to beat this team. I also think that Childress needs to give Peterson more than 13 carries to beat the Bengals.

I look back at the Vikings Week 7 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers as an indication of how this game will play out. The Vikings got bit by some bad penalties, yet were in the game all of the way up until the end. Peterson was held to 3.8 yards a carry but did have a touchdown. Favre lit it up for 334 yards, but had no touchdowns. I see a very similar game on Sunday. It is hard for me to believe that the Vikings would lose two in a row, but I can’t see them beating the Bengals at this stage. I think the Bengals edge the Vikings, Adrian Peterson breaks more fantasy hearts, and Brett Favre becomes a question once again.

The playoff preview this week comes between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos. I, like many would never have thought the Broncos would be 8-4. The Colts have clinched, but are still playing for home field with the Bengals still in the mix. I am tired of picking against the Colts, and I won’t this week. The Broncos just had an impressive divisional win over the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Colts handed the Tennessee Titans their first loss since Vince Young became the starter. These are two red hot teams and it will be interesting to say what they show each other with the potential of playing in the divisional round in January.

Both teams are susceptible to the running game. I talk every week about how the Colts are vulnerable in the rushing department, yet nobody has taken advantage of it yet. The Broncos have been a rushing machine the last few weeks, with Knowshon Moreno finally living up to the expectations of being a first-round draft pick. Unfortunately the Broncos may run into the same problem that the Dolphins had when playing the Colts. As much as the Broncos would like to grind it out, it all means nothing when Peyton Manning retaliates with a 75-yard touchdown in 11 seconds. I think the Colts win and we see these two play each other again in January.

Quick Hits – I wonder if Ben Roethlisberger will question Hines Ward’s heart if he sits out Thursday? Matt Ryan may play, but why bother? The Saints can’t even lose when they try. Don’t be fooled by Sunday night, the Cardinals are still vulnerable in the air and come back down to earth against the 49ers this week. Wade Phillips feels disrespected for being a lame duck coach, while December continues to feel disrespected by the Dallas Cowboys. The best way for the Titans to rebound and close strong is a game against the Rams. Who thought that the Dolphins and Jags would be fighting it out for a playoff spot in December? I have no confidence in the Ravens offense, but I have even less in Duante Culpepper. You couldn’t pay me to watch the Bills and the Chiefs, well actually you could.

Fantasy Fix – Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers. If you read my waiver wire blog, you already know about the man-crush I’m developing on Smith. Smith is putting up Matt Schaub/Aaron Rodgers numbers over the last few weeks. The 49ers have turned into a passing team with weapons like Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. The Cards boast the overall 30th ranked passing defense in the NFL. I sense a bit of a comedown for the Cardinals after the big win over the Vikings and the Brenda Warner voodoo dance. I would rank Smith in the top ten this week, if not number five in terms of fantasy quarterbacks.

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs – I am sorry Jamaal for not believing and dropping you a few weeks ago. Believe me, I am paying the price! He has had touchdowns in the last three of four weeks. He has had double digits for the last four weeks. He has a tremendous matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The quarterback situation is in flux in Kansas City after Matt Cassel was benched. This team is a run first, second, and maybe even third team. I love his matchup this week and I think he has the potential to go off at home.

Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers – He may or may not be the obvious choice this week, but I love him as a dubious tight end. He had 80 yards and a touchdown against the Browns earlier this season. His value increases dramatically with Hines Ward out of the game. Ward is Big Ben’s go-to guy in the red zone, and Miller is his second favorite red zone target. Does anyone believe that the Steelers won’t be in the red zone at least three times on Thursday night? I guarantee you that Miller comes away with one of those scores and rolls up another big number against the Browns this week.

Mohammed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns – There is no denying that the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary is a different team without Troy Polamalu. He is expected to sit and this will open up some holes for Brady Quinn. Massaquoi had a touchdown last week against the San Diego Chargers and seems to be the favorite target of Brady Quinn. Keep in mind I am looking for sleepers here so I wouldn’t play Massaquoi above the usual suspects. However, if you are looking for some high risk-high reward, Massquoi is your guy.

NFL Week 14 Picks

I had my worst week all season going 7-9 on my picks. I have a feeling with upsets by Oakland, New York, Jacksonville, and Arizona that I wasn’t the only one. It just goes to show you that when a good team loses, it is more than just a one-week hiccup. I am 122-70 overall on the season. Now for the NFL Week 14 Picks (Picks in BOLD) -

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns
New Orleans at Atlanta
Green Bay at Chicago
NY Jets at Tampa Bay
Miami at Jacksonville
Detroit at Baltimore
Seattle at Houston
Denver at Indianapolis
Buffalo at Kansas City
Cincinnati at Minnesota
Carolina at New England
Washington at Oakland
St. Louis at Tennessee
San Diego at Dallas
Philadelphia at NY Giants
Arizona at San Francisco

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

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