Week 14 NFL Picks: Afternoon games carry significant NFC playoff weight

‘Tis the season for matchups with playoff implications. Week 14 of the NFL season (I can’t believe we have already finished 3 months) features at least six games where both teams are fighting for a playoff berth or jockeying for the division lead. The afternoon slate in particular will be one to watch in the NFC as the current #1 seed Chicago Bears travel to the Green Bay Packers. The winner will have sole possession of the NFC North. Meanwhile, with a Chicago loss, the Rams could easily reassert themselves as the NFC’s best. Here’s my prediction for how this week plays out…

Week 13 picks: 10-6, Cumulative picks: 122-70-1 (.634)

Week 14 Matchups & Predictions

(Thursday Night Football) Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions, 8:15 PM EST

A great matchup to kick off Week 14. In my opinion, the winner of this game will make the playoffs. The loser is all but sure to miss out. The Cowboys have been the hotter hand; defeating the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs in the last two weeks. The offense is led by Dak Prescott, who is a top-5 quarterback in the NFL right now. The defense is playing better. The key is that they will have to stop Jahmyr Gibbs to come out with a road win. But don’t think that Dallas doesn’t remember Detroit running the score up on them last year…

Pick: Cowboys win 30-27

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 PM EST

Even though the Falcons are going nowhere in 2025, Raheem Morris’s quarters defense will likely prevent the Seahawks from using their downfield passing attack. However, Seattle is going to be able to run the ball to manufacture 3rd & short situations to keep the chains moving. Atlanta allows the 25th most rushing yards per game (131.2 yards/game).

Pick: Seahawks 27-16

Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM EST

“He’s back!” Joe Burrow has returned and yes the Bengals have a shot at not only making the playoffs but winning the AFC North. And guess what, I think they will. I know Cincy’s defense is bad. But one way to make the defense better is to have an offense that can manufacture drives and allow the defense to play just “good” enough. I think we get a shootout between Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. Make no mistake, the Bengals need this game!

Pick: Bengals win 41-36

Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Browns, 1:00 PM EST

Will anyone watch this game? Myles Garrett will likely break the NFL sack record because it’s the Titans. But, how anticlimactic since he plays for the Cleveland Browns…

Pick: Browns win 23-15

Washington Commanders @ Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 PM EST

Remember when some writer on ESPN suggested that all four teams could make the playoffs. Clickbait. Vikings are clearly not making it (and Detroit is currently set to miss).

* Rams fans: this game is actually an important one. If the Commanders win and the Falcons lose, that will help the Rams 2026...