Previewing the NFL’s Week 14 slate of games, which includes a battle between Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady on Sunday afternoon.
The final month of the regular season is in full swing, as we have just four weeks left in the 2019 regular season. Yes, it’s a sad time, as 20 teams’ seasons will be ending in just a few short weeks. However, to brighten the mood, we have an outstanding Week 14 matchup this Sunday afternoon.
In the later window of games, we’ll be able to see Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Foxborough, MA to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. It’ll be a rematch of last January’s AFC Championship, in which the Pats ousted Kansas City 37-31.
We’ll preview that game for you as well as numerous others. But, before that, let’s recap what went down during Week 13 in the NFL.
Week 13 Final Scores // Prediction Results
- Chicago Bears 24 at Detroit Lions 20 // Correct
- Buffalo Bills 26 at Dallas Cowboys 15 // Incorrect
- New Orleans Saints 26 at Atlanta Falcons 18 // Correct
- Washington Redskins 29 at Carolina Panthers 21 // Incorrect
- NY Jets 6 at Cincinnati Bengals 22 // Incorrect
- Tennessee Titans 31 at Indianapolis Colts 17 // Incorrect
- SF 49ers 17 at Baltimore Ravens 20 // Correct
- TB Buccaneers 28 at Jacksonville Jaguars 11 // Correct
- Philadelphia Eagles 31 at Miami Dolphins 37 // Incorrect
- GB Packers 31 at NY Giants 13 // Correct
- Cleveland Browns 13 at Pittsburgh Steelers 20 // Correct
- LA Rams 34 at Arizona Cardinals 7 // Correct
- Oakland Raiders 9 at KC Chiefs 40 // Correct
- LA Chargers 20 at Denver Broncos 23 // Incorrect
- NE Patriots 22 at Houston Texans 28 // Incorrect
- Minnesota Vikings 30 at Seattle Seahawks 37 // Correct
- Week 13 Results: 9-7
- Overall Results: 121-71
Recap: What we saw during Week 13
We saw the Cowboys suffer a defeat in a game that was a must-needed win. In the 4:30 p.m. ET window of the Thanksgiving games, the Bills ousted Dallas at AT&T Stadium by a score of 26-15. This came after the Cowboys actually jumped out to an early 7-0 lead in the opening quarter. Both quarterbacks came to play, as Josh Allen was 19-for-24 with 231 yards and one touchdown for the Bills. Dak Prescott, on the other hand, completed 32 of his 49 throws for 355 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick.
The Redskins have actually stepped up in recent weeks. On Sunday, they defeated the Panthers 29-21 for their second consecutive victory. In the last two weeks, they’ve beaten Detroit and Carolina for their second and third wins on the year. Redskins running back Derrius Guice had a monster game, rushing for 129 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns.
We officially won’t have any winless teams in the NFL this year. That’s because the Bengals, who came into Sunday with a record of 0-11, finally came out on top. Cincinnati, in Andy Dalton’s first game back in the starting lineup, ousted the Jets 22-6. The Jets had won three straight games prior to the matchup as well. Dalton completed 22 of his 37 throws for 243 yards and one touchdown.
The Titans are absolutely making a case for why they should be in the NFL playoffs. On Sunday, they jumped the Colts in the standings and now sit in second place in the AFC South division. In a 31-17 win over Indianapolis, running back Derrick Henry carried the ball 26 times for 149 yards and one touchdown. Tennessee is now 7-5 heading into their Week 14 matchup with the Raiders.
We saw the Ravens solidify their reputation as the best team in the league. In a great battle between them and the 49ers, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson was able to put Justin Tucker in position for a game-winning 49-yard field goal as time expired. Jackson went 14-for-23 through the air with 105 yards and one touchdown. He additionally carried the ball 16 times for 101 yards and one score on the ground. The Ravens won the game 20-17, as they’ve emerged victorious in their last eight matchups.
If the Raiders came away with the win over the Chiefs, they would’ve been in first place in the AFC West. However, that’s exactly what didn’t happen. Oakland was just no match for Kansas City in any facet of the game, falling 40-9 for their second straight loss. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for one touchdown (a three-yard toss to running back Darrel Williams) and also rushed for one from 13 yards out.
Drew Lock finally made his NFL debut on Sunday against the Chargers, as the rookie Broncos quarterback absolutely impressed. The University of Missouri product threw for two touchdowns, both to wideout Courtland Sutton in the first quarter. After allowing a game-tying field goal in the fourth quarter, the Broncos were able to force a defensive pass interference on a deep throw down the sideline in the waning seconds of regulation. This set up a 53-yard game-winning field goal from Denver kicker Brandon McManus to give the Broncos the 23-20 victory.
We saw Deshaun Watson remain one of the top quarterbacks not just in the AFC, but in the entire league. Facing the very tough Patriots defense this past Sunday night, the third-year pro was 18-for-25 with 234 yards, three touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 140.7. The Texans, who are currently atop the AFC South division at 8-4, ousted the Patriots by a score of 28-22. Tom Brady threw for 326 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. However, two of his touchdown passes came in the final four minutes of the game.
And finally, on Monday night, we saw a fantastic battle between two of the NFC’s best in the Vikings and Seahawks. Seattle was able to come away with the victory thanks to their duo of running backs. Rashaad Penny rushed for 74 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. He also caught four balls for 33 yards and one score. Chris Carson, on the other hand, carried the ball 23 times for 102 yards and one touchdown. Russell Wilson additionally racked up 240 yards through the air with a pair of scores in the 37-30 win.
Preview: What to watch for during Week 14 in the NFL
Dallas Cowboys (6-6) at Chicago Bears (6-6) – Thurs, Dec. 5, 8:20 p.m. ET
These are two teams who will absolutely be fighting for an NFC playoff spot over the next month. However, neither are quite there yet. They’ll both need to step up and win the majority of their games in December if they want a try at January football. For either team, it starts with this primetime game right here.
The Bears are coming off two straight victories after starting out 4-6. However, neither win was overly impressive. They only defeated the Giants by five and the Lions by four, both of which are teams that won’t see the postseason this year. Chicago quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns against Detroit on Thanksgiving, so maybe he’ll build off that success and dominate against this Cowboys secondary.
Dallas, on the other hand, is coming off a disappointing loss to the Bills on Turkey Day. They’re still in first place in their division, being that the NFC East includes below-average-to-average talent. Even if they reach the playoffs, look for the organization to part ways with head coach Jason Garrett. Nonetheless, they still desperately need a win this Thursday, as the second-place Eagles are just a game behind them.
Baltimore Ravens (10-2) at Buffalo Bills (9-3) – Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. ET
This is definitely one of the best games of the weekend, featuring two ballclubs who are looking to make playoff runs. Baltimore is currently sporting a record of 10-2, as the Bills aren’t far behind at 9-3.
The Ravens are the favorite to win their division and possibly achieve one of the two top seeds. Buffalo, on the contrary, will be looking to clinch a Wild Card spot or even the division title if all goes well for them in the coming weeks. That being said, this win would be huge for either organization.
In this matchup, specifically, you have the high-powered offense of the Ravens, who are putting up 420.8 total yards-per-game. The Bills defense is also dominant, allowing just 300.1 total yards-per-game.
This contest will also consist of a battle between two young quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson of the Ravens is having an MVP season and is revolutionizing the quarterback position right before our eyes. Josh Allen is also doing what he can to bring victories to Buffalo. He’s completed 61.5% of his throws for 2,591 yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight picks. It’s contributed to the Bills’ successful 2019 campaign.
SF 49ers (10-2) at NO Saints (10-2) – Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. ET
The 49ers have now lost two of their last four games after starting out 8-2. But that doesn’t take away from their talent nor potential. This is still arguably the best team in the NFC and one that could most certainly lock up a top seed for the playoffs. But will they be able to oust Drew Brees and the Saints on the road? It’ll be a tough task for sure.
A great matchup to look forward to within this game is the 49ers defensive line against the Saints offensive line. We all know how dominant the Niners are in that facet, led by Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, and DeForest Bucker. They’ve contributed to the 45 sacks this defense has racked up all year. The New Orleans offensive line, however, has allowed just 21 sacks in 2019.
San Francisco also has one of the best secondaries in the league, allowing 134.2 passing yards-per-game. This will be a tough task for future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, who’s led the team to five wins in seven starts this year.
KC Chiefs (8-4) at NE Patriots (10-2) – Sun, Dec. 8, 4:25 p.m. ET
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a Tom Brady-Patrick Mahomes battle for the third time in the last two years. Also, we have a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game. Brady and the Pats have won the first two go-arounds. However, with their latest struggles, who’s to say Kansas City can’t oust them this time?
The Chiefs are back in full swing with Mahomes healthy from his prior knee injury. That being said, look for this Kansas City offense and this New England defense to undergo a tightly-kit, evenly-matched battle within this high-stakes matchup.
At 10-2, the Pats are just one game ahead of the second-place Buffalo Bills. They know and realize that, which is why this will be a huge statement game for them. Look for Brady to have a very productive game, as it’s something that he’s due up for.
Tennessee Titans (7-5) at Oakland Raiders (6-6) – Sun, Dec. 8, 4:25 p.m. ET
Are the Titans for real? They’ve now won their last trio of games, including a three-point win over the Chiefs and two huge victories over division rivals. At 7-5, they’ve completely jumped the Colts and sit in second place in the AFC South division. Can they keep possessing this newfound motivation for the rest of the regular season and potentially into the playoffs?
Well, if they want to, they’ll need to oust the Oakland Raiders, who are coming off two tough losses but are still in the postseason hunt. At 6-6, Oakland is in second place in the AFC West despite losing their last pair of games by a combined 62 points. With the back-to-back embarrassing defeats, look for the Raiders to enter this week with something to prove.
When the playoff matchups are set, don’t be surprised if this game right here ends up being crucial for Wild Card spots in that conference.
Week 14 Predictions (In bold) (All Times ET)
- Thurs, Dec. 5, 8:20 p.m. – Cowboys (6-6) at Bears (6-6)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Panthers (5-7) at Falcons (3-9)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Ravens (10-2) at Bills (9-3)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Bengals (1-11) at Browns (5-7)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Redskins (3-9) at Packers (9-3)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Broncos (4-8) at Texans (8-4)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Lions (3-8-1) at Vikings (8-4)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – 49ers (10-2) at Saints (10-2)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Dolphins (3-9) at Jets (4-8)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 1:00 p.m. – Colts (6-6) at Buccaneers (5-7)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 4:05 p.m. – Chargers (4-8) at Jaguars (4-8)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 4:25 p.m. – Steelers (7-5) at Cardinals (3-8-1)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 4:25 p.m. – Chiefs (8-4) at Patriots (10-2)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 4:25 p.m. – Titans (7-5) at Raiders (6-6)
- Sun, Dec. 8, 8:20 p.m. – Seahawks (10-2) at Rams (7-5)
- Mon, Dec. 9, 8:15 p.m. – Giants (2-10) at Eagles (5-7)
