Week 14 Game Picks

8 DEC 2019. 1 PM ET GAMES

49ers @ Saints

It’s going down big time in NOLA. After pummeling the Pack at home, the 49ers traveled out East to take on a red-hot Baltimore team. Although the Super Bowl 46 rematch was decided by a Justin Tucker field goal, the 49ers did an exceptional job holding the Ravens down. Offensively as well, Shanahan stayed aggressive in the rain & put this 49er team in a position to win all game long. Before Shanahan flies back home to take on his former-falcon squad, he has to make a pit stop in New Orleans to take on one of the hottest teams in the NFC. Here’s a statistical breakdown of the two QBs going head to head this Sunday.

Garoppolo vs. Brees

It’s no surprise to me that Brees tops Garoppolo statistically. He has a guy named Michael Thomas. On the contrary, what does surprise me is that Garoppolo is quite frankly just as efficient as Brees has been all season & he is going to be the key to victory (along with some help from his stout defense of course). I expect both the 49ers & Saints offense to be in a trench war at the line of scrimmage which negates both teams run games. The Saints have not allowed a running back to top a 100 yards rushing in 34 straight games! Enter, Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers signal-caller is going to have to find a way to beat the Saints in the aerial attack. A favorable matchup as the Saints are allowing 234.9 Pass YPG. On the contrary, Drew Brees & Michael Thomas will have a lot of figuring out to do as they are set to go up against the #1 pass defense in the league! On top of that, Alvin Kamara has simply not found the endzone in 7 straight games (longest streak in career). This Saints offense is going to face an uphill battle at home as I got the Niners stealing this one on the road.

Score: 35-27, 49ers Win.

Broncos @ Texans

This is a tougher matchup than you would think. I’ll let the graphic pictured here do the talking:

Photo via @thefanalyst.live Instagram

It is one of the most unusual trends that I have seen in the regular season for any team… This week the Texans offense is going up against their former teammate, Kareem Jackson. Jackson has reportedly been helping the Broncos greatly in this weeks prep against his former squad. Spoiler Alert! It doesn’t work. I simply don’t see this Texan team losing to Denver! Especially with the Titans knocking on the Texans door when it comes to the AFC South crown. I do have the Texans splitting with the Titans down the stretch, however, Deshaun Watson & Bill O’ Brien know all too well they didn’t beat the Chiefs & Patriots for nothing. I say the Texans BREAK THE TREND!

Score: 21-13, Texans Win.

Ravens @ Bills

It’s going down in Buffalo. People need to be talking about Josh Allen & this Bills team more. THEY ARE LEGIT. I am reluctant to say that I was one of the many that did in fact doubt the validity of their winning record based on matchups. This week I believe I am completely in the right. The Baltimore Ravens are the best team in football & I simply don’t see any defense slowing down the Ravens dual-threat offense led by MVP favorite Lamar Jackson. I expect the Ravens defense to have their hands full with Josh Allen who can beat you with his legs as well. Fortunately, they play with Lamar Jackson in practice… they will be prepared. The only thing concerning once again in this matchup is the Ravens offense against a stout defense. Last week they struggled offensively, scoring a mere 3 points in the second half that just so happens to be Justin Tucker’s game-winning kick. The Bills defense is allowing a mere 15.7 PPG (fewest since 1999). Similar to that of the 49ers defense last week. Regardless, the result was a Ravens win. Have it be a hard fought one-possesion win or a 20+ point victory. A win is a win. A Ravens W is happening on Sunday.

Photo via @thefanalyst.live Instagram

Score: 23-19, Ravens Win.

Colts @ Buccaneers

The Bucs have been on fire this season. I still find it hard to believe that a 5 win team is generating 28.3 PPG… the 4th most in the league! This matchup is simply going to come down the better overall team. Sure every matchup comes down to that, however, I feel the inconsistency on both ends is going to be the determining factor in Tampa Bay on Sunday. Although the Colts have had their recent struggles off late, they will have Marlon Mack in their backfield for the first time in 2 weeks. This will help bring back life to a rushing attack that is averaging 139 Rush YPG. Meanwhile, Bucs Mike Evans has hit a rough stretch in his past 4 games failing to exceed 100 yards receiving. (longest streak since 2017). That should change Sunday against a Colt team that struggled against big time pass attacks.

Mark LoMoglio/AP

2 weeks ago, Will Fuller & Deandre Hopkins were having fun out there tallying up 234 receiving YDS & 2 scores. Last week, stopping the run was an issue as they allowed Titans’ Derrick Henry to rush for 149 YDS. Offensively, things don’t get better. The Colts have scored a mere 17 points or fewer in 3 of their last 4. The result: a loss in all 3 of those games. I’m expecting another shootout & the Bucs simply find a way to score more points than they allow.

Score: 31-20, Buccaneers Win.

Game Locks: 1 PM ET

Redskins @ Packers

Packers. Rodgers. December. At Lambeau Field. Seriously? Aaron Rodgers Packers’ average 28.0 PPG in the month of December when at home! On top of that, the Redskins have allowed the 2nd-most TDs to opposing RBs in the redzone. Let one Aaron get you into the redzone & the other Aaron punch it in.

Score: 31-13, Packers Win.

Bengals @ Browns

The Browns are practically out of the playoffs, however, as long as they are not mathematically eliminated, I’ll take them against a Bengal team that earned their first W last week.

Score: 27-20, Browns Win.

Panthers @ Falcons

The Falcons sweeping the Panthers? I think not! The Panthers are still in contention & as long as that stays true I’m taking them to win divisional games. Kyle Allen had been in a rough stretch however, he has found a way to turn that around, however, a loss last week to the Redskins simply did not look convincing. The main reason I’m putting the Panthers as a lock in this one is because of Matt Ryan & the Falcons 1-4 record. On top of that, Matty ICE has 7 INT at home & 5 TDs… Yup KEEP POUNDING in ATL!

Score: 24-13, Panthers Win.

Lions @ Vikings

The Lions have been a mess. We all know this. Yes they have had an extra 3 days to prep for this divisional matchup, however, the Vikings are VERY MUCH in playoff contention. I simply don’t see Captain Kirk dropping a divisional game at home where the Vikes have been undefeated this season!

Score: 28-17, Vikings Win.

Dolphins @ Jets

The snooze fest of the early window games features this AFC East matchup. A Dolphins sweep is a site to see! I’ll take Miami against a Jets team that just let the winless Bengals well… win. FINS UP in New York!

Score: 31-23, Dolphins Win.

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