2014 NFL Predictions Week 16: New England Patriots Inch Closer To One Seed With Win
By Cyrus Geller
Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) rolls out during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals beat the Browns 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Ravens 28 Texans 20
I desperately want Baltimore to lose, but I don’t trust a Houston team that has lost its starting quarterback…twice. The biggest weakness the Ravens have is their horrid pass defense, but the Texans just don’t have the tools necessary to exploit that. Joe Flacco makes just enough plays to edge out Houston.
Lions 24 Bears 6
My prayers are being sent to Jimmy Clausen, because he is going to get devoured by Detroit on Sunday. The Lions have the best defensive front in the entire NFL, and the Bears are not equipped to handle it. Benching Jay Cutler was probably the right move for Chicago, but Clausen has absolutely no shot tomorrow.
Panthers 26 Cleveland 20
Johnny Manziel will play much better than he did last week, but it won’t be enough to take down Carolina. If Cam Newton plays, I believe he will give the Panthers the spark needed to keep pace in the NFC South. Carolina’s defense isn’t nearly as fierce as the Bengals’ unit is, so look for some special ‘Johnny Magic’ to unfold. But it just won’t be enough.
Saints 31 Falcons 30
The Bears are so bad, they made the New Orleans Saints look like a competent football team, which they obviously aren’t. But the good news for them is the Falcons are just as bad. Neither of these two teams play any defense, which means we should be in for a fun offensive shootout. I’m going to give the edge to the Saints because even though he has had a rough year, I’m rolling with Drew Brees at home over Matt Ryan.
Packers 34 Buccaneers 17
Tampa Bay will keep this competitive for a half, but Aaron Rodgers will shred their 24th ranked pass defense in the second half. Green Bay is not the same team on the road, but the Bucs are just too lowly to pull the upset. If they had a decent quarterback, they would have a chance against the porous Green Bay defense, but obviously Josh McCown is not that type of quarterback.
Steelers 28 Chiefs 26
The Steelers clinch a playoff spot with a win, and despite an awful defense, I think they will get it done against a tough Kansas City team. The Chiefs have a quality defense, but they are 28th against the run, so look for Pittsburgh to run Le’Veon Bell all game long against that defensive front.