Week 14: The Sunday Games

At Jacksonville -10.5 Carolina 38

Jacksonville’s spot in the Wild Card round is pretty much in the bag notwithstanding last Sunday’s loss in Indy. The Panthers came up with a nice win at home but that was against a bad team. The Vegas Boys envision a blowout, The Jags ought to win, but cover? Hmmm…

Projected Final Score: Jacksonville 27, Carolina 13

Dallas -10.5 At Detroit 51.5

It would be a big story if Honolulu Blue were to pull the upset, but after last week’s disaster is looks like another bad finish in Motown. Meanwhile Dallas has established themselves as the clear favorites to go all the way in the NFC. They’re well rested, fully prepared and will keep the crowd noise to a minimum at Ford Field.

Projected Final Score: Dallas 34, Detroit 20

At Buffalo (6-6) -7 Miami (0-12) 36

At this stage of the year, the Bills are definitely thinking that a winning record is attainable, not to mention a legitimate shot at a Wild Card berth. To aid them in their quest the winless Dolphins make the trek to Western New York where the December winds whipping off the Lake are bound to put quite a chill on them. It’s quite sad to see what has happened to the Dolphins, as Jason Taylor is practically holding the defense together by himself and the offense has been obliterated by injury.

If Marshawn Lynch returns from an ankle injury, it’s all the better for Buffalo. If not, the Bills ought to enjoy a comfortable win just the same.

Projected Final Score: Buffalo 24, Miami 16

At Philadelphia (5-7) -2.5 NY Giants (8-4) 42.5

Forget about the respective records, this is Old School NFL on display. This ought to be a great game, a throwback to the days of Tittle vs. Bednarik at the old Franklin Field. The Eagles will definitely get a boost from McNabb’s return on Sunday, as this is Philly’s last reasonable chance to get a ticket to the dance. If they lose, they’d be two games out with three to play so the pressure is definitely there. The G-Men had a nice comeback win last week in Chicago and would like to keep rolling in December.

New York will be challenged running the ball now that Ward is through for the season with a broken leg. Brandon Jacobs will get the call but he’s been hurt most of the year. So, the Giants’ success hinges on Manning’s effectiveness…and the jury’s still out on him.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 21, Philadelphia 17

At Green Bay -10.5 Oakland 41.5

It’s Super Bowl II déja vu as the Raiders travel to icy Lambeau to tee it up with the Pack. Favre had a rough go of things down in Big D and appears ready to go, but how effective will he be. If he has no lingering shoulder issues the team should cover. With all of the variables in play better to be cautious with such a gracious spread.

Projected Final Score: Green Bay 24, Oakland 14

San Diego -1.5 At Tennessee 40.5

The Titans have really disappointed coming down the stretch. Sure, they beat Houston at home and demonstrated that that they’re a much better team when Haynesworth’s in the lineup but the Chargers are finally beginning to play better football even in the tune-ups with the NFL’s weak sisters. The ball is now in San Diego’s court to determine whether they’re contenders or pretenders.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 24, Tennessee 21

At Cincinnati -6.5 St. Louis 48

It’s hard to believe that these teams were once considered favorites to contend heading into the season. One team was derailed by injuries while the other is an undisciplined mess. So, both of these teams go into Week 14 waiting for the conclusion of Week 17. Are the beleaguered Bengals a touchdown better than the Rams? I guess so…seeing whereas the Rams are now down to their fifth stringer at quarterback.

Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 27, St. Louis 20

Tampa Bay -2.5 At Houston 40

This game probably won’t make anyone’s highlight reel, but the Bucs are closing in on an unlikely postseason shot and need some December momentum. A win on the road would put them in good stead.

Projected Final Score: Tampa Bay 23, Houston 20.


At Seattle -6.5 Arizona 44

At a certain point in time the Seahawks have to start living up to the hype and begin performing like a team going to the postseason (basically by default). It’s December, time to start hittin’ on all cylinders, boys. The Cards can put points up but are banged up on the offensive side of the ball. The Browns virtually ended postseason hopes the Cardinals harbored last week, so they’re looking to be spoilers. We shall see…

Projected Final Score: Seattle 27, Arizona 20

Minnesota -7.5 At San Francisco 39

The Vikes have transformed themselves from frogs to princes in the last two weeks. AP came back in a big way last week, but the offense us still nothing to brag about. The ‘Niners stink this year and there’s already talk around town that the Alex Smith Experiment is a failure. Before you say the words “Tim Couch” just remember that the team is in the midst of rebuilding. As great as Big Purple has been of late , anything above a field goal remains too much if a gamble.

Projected Final Score: Minnesota 27, San Francisco 21

Cleveland -3.5 At NY Jets 47.5

Last week, the NY Titans defeated a pathetic Miami team. This week the NY Jets return to their more familiar role of underdog where the Browns will be more than thrilled to keep their good mojo going.

Projected Final Score: Cleveland 27, NY Jets 16

At Denver -6.5 Kansas City 37

The only way that this game sparks any interest among partisans is to recall the great old days of the AFL West when the Chiefs were roaring and the Broncos were a punching bag. If it were possible for both teams to lose it would only be fitting.

Projected Final Score: Denver 23, Oakland 20

At New England -10.5 Pittsburgh 49.5

This is the game of the day. The Patriots came within a whisker last Monday night and have played poorly in their last two games. The Steelers’ defense poses quite a challenge while Willie Parker will be running all afternoon. If the Patriots can’t stop the run it’s going to be a tough afternoon in Foxboro. Now that one of the Steelers has “guaranteed a win”, maybe the teams should simply forego the day’s work and stay home instead. On second thought maybe that’s not such a great idea…

Projected Final Score: New England 27, Pittsburgh 24

Indianapolis -9.5 At Ravens 43.5

The team with the horseshoe on their helmets returns to the town they never should have left. It is near blasphemy for a team that does not play in Baltimore to be called the “Colts” as much as it is for the one who does to be named the “Ravens”. Putting all of that “high stakes bingo” aside, there’s a football game to be played. The question is how much do the Ravens have left in the tank? They played their hearts out on Monday only to lose a heartbreaker. This game will not be a contest between teams but one that will measure how much heart the Ravens have in trying times. If they played New England tough why can’t they do the same on Sunday night? Why not?

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 24, Ravens 16