NFL Pro Football 2007 Week 14 Picks early games

NFL Pro Football 2007 Week 14 Picks

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Fearless Rick's NFL Week 14 Picks - Early Games

Rick Gagliano | Dec. 6-10

All times Eastern - Click here for late Sunday and Monday night games.

Thursday, Dec. 6

Chicago at Washington (-3, 37) 8:15 pm - another NFL network broadcast that nobody will see is essentially an elimination game for a pair of 5-7 teams. In reality, neither team has much hope of post-season glory, and it's difficult to determine which had the more heart-breaking home loss last week. The Redskins fell 17-16 to the Bills, while the Bears squandered a 16-7 lead, allowing the Giants to rally for a 21-16 win. Washington's lost 4 straight, while the Bears have won three of their last four road games. The quick turn-around and travel will be of benefit to the Bears, so as not to lament their fickle fate. The Redskins can't run the ball, and that's going to hurt.

Prediction: Bears 20 Redskins 13

Sunday, Dec. 9

Carolina at Jacksonville (-10 1/2, 37 1/2) 1:00 pm - Carolina snapped a five-game losing streak with a 31-14 win over lowly San Francisco last week and while that may be seen as a positive, they have to travel to play a natural rival that is a legitimate playoff team. The Jaguars continue to play very well, week after week and should have little problem rolling over the dinged-up Panthers. Carolina doesn't have the kind of offense that can make headway against an often stingy and always punishing Jacksonville defense.

Prediction: Jaguars 28 Panthers 10

Dallas (-10 1/2, 51 1/2) at Detroit 1:00 pm - Nobody is going to slow down the Dallas juggernaut, but the Lions have the kind of offense that may be able to stay with them for most of this game. It's probably best to just play the OVER in this wide-open affair, but look for the Cowboys' secondary to be torched repeatedly as the Lions' receivers make sure Terrell Owens doesn't show them up on their home turf. This game is huge for Detroit. At 6-6, they need a win to stay in the playoff hunt. After having lost four straight, a win over Dallas would really stamp them as contenders. They may not make it, but they'll certainly make this game interesting.

Prediction: Cowboys 34 Lions 31

Miami at Buffalo (-7, 36) 1:00 pm - The poor little fishies. All the "Save the Dolphins" efforts in the world won't stop Buffalo from engaging in one of Western New York's favorite pastimes - fish squishing - something the Bills have been doing with fervor or the better part of the last 25 years. Buffalo is a team without any quit in them and though they barely escaped becoming the laughing stock of the league with a 13-10 win at Miami three weeks ago, that was with JP Losman at the helm. Trent Edwards gives the Bills a steadier hand at QB and another win in Buffalo's playoff hunt. A little lemon and tartar sauce with these fish sticks, please.

Prediction: Bills 33 Dolphins 16

N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia (-3, 42 1/2) 1:00 pm - After the Giants thrashed Philly 16-3 in week 4, the season looked bleak for the 1-3 Eagles. Well, bleak has turned to black in Philadelphia. Sure, the Eagles looked fine losing to New England a couple of Monday nights ago, but they were horrible at home last week, losing to Seattle, 28-24. Slice and dice it any way you like, but the Eagles are 5-7, the Giants are 8-4 and their defense improves every week. Say what you like about Eli Manning, but he shakes off bad games and comes back strong. The Eagles get Donovan McNabb back at QB, and that's good for the Giants. Why? McNabb mouths off too much, gets hurt every year, doesn't run well any more and is largely inaccurate throwing the football. Bye-bye, Eagles.

Prediction: Giants 27 Eagles 20

Oakland at Green Bay (-10, 42) 1:00 pm - The ultimate trap game for Green Bay. Brett Favre and backup Aaron Rogers are both banged up, though they've had more than a week to heal up following just their second loss of the season, 37-27 at Dallas, last Thursday. The Raiders come to Titletown with absolutely nothing to lose, two straight wins and a trio of healthy QBs. Looks like a Packer lock from a distance, but upon further review it's a Raider win.

Prediction: Raiders 27 Packers 24

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Pittsburgh at New England (-10 1/2, 49 1/2) 1:00 pm - Have the Patriots come down to earth a little over the past few weeks? Sure they have, but also, teams now really gear up to play them. Philly and Baltimore both found ways to probe the New England defense and put pressure on Tom Brady to slow down the passing attack. Don't think the tapes from the last two weeks are lost on the Steelers, who would be in a great position to win their division and maybe get a first week bye if they win here. Pittsburgh has a very smooth offense and the #1 defense in the NFL. Besides, DB Anthony Smith has guaranteed a win. Who are we to argue?

Prediction: Steelers 31 Patriots 24

San Diego at Tennessee (even, 40) 1:00 pm - How many times have the Chargers disappointed this season, blowing games they should have won? 4, 5 times? Regardless, they are still 7-5 (same as the Titans) and sitting atop the shallow AFC West. Tennessee needs this game badly to stay in playoff contention and the Chargers are 2-4 on the road this season. Guess what? Norv Turner is a bad coach and the Chargers will disappoint again.

Prediction: Titans 20 Chargers 17

St. Louis at Cincinnati (-6, 47) 1:00 pm - Call this one a 2008 playoff preview. Neither team will make the playoffs this year, but both could do it in 2008. Cincy's offense should be able to make this a runaway win. The Rams are 2-4 on the road, while the Bengals have actually gone 3-3 at home. Defense? Forget it. A blowout.

Prediction: Bengals 38 Rams 21

Tampa Bay (-3, 40 1/2) at Houston 1:00 pm - OK, you can stop tooting the Texans' horns. They've lost 5 of their last 7 while Tampa Bay rolls quietly along, having won 4 straight and virtually eliminating all competition in the NFC South. A Tampa win clinches the division. Count on it.

Prediction: Buccaneers 21 Texans 6

All times Eastern - Click here for late Sunday and Monday night games

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