NFL Weekend Preview: Games to Watch Week 14 - Brendan Darr's Blog

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NFL Weekend Preview: Games to Watch Week 14 Stuck

Posted on December 9, 2012 at 12:16 PM.

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Baltimore Ravens (9-3) at Washington Redskins (6-6)

X-Factor:

Matt � Terrell Suggs Replacement

Playing with a torn biceps, it�s unsure if Terrell Suggs will be playing. ESPN had some great packages last Monday on how effective RG3 is running the option. With Suggs out, will Suggs replacement be able to be effective or will he be a liability?

Brendan - Redskins Secondary

The Redskins got some bad news this week when it was announced that Cedric Griffin would be suspended for the final four games of the season. Griffin had started to play well the last few games, and leaves a thin Redskins secondary now perilously thin.

Predictions:

Matt � This is a tossup game. The Redskins have had success stopping the run, but it feels like Ray Rice is due for a big day. In addition, the Ravens defense has played substantially better in the last five games, allowing one touchdown less a game. Prediction: 27-21 Ravens

Brendan - You would think Cam Cameron would use Ray Rice as much as possible as the Skins defense is beatable. However, we�ve seen that Cameron forgets about his workhorse every now and then. Meanwhile, the Redskins are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now winning their last three, and all division games to boot. If it comes down to which quarterback can lead a comeback, well... I know where I�m putting my money. Prediction: 31-27 Redskins

Dallas Cowboys (6-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)

X-Factor:

Matt � Cowboys offensive line

The Bengals currently lead the league in sacks. That�s not good news for Tony Romo and the Cowboys, who are 12 in letting up sacks. The Cowboys also have one of the worst rushing attacks in the league. Doug Free and the offensive line will need to keep Romo safe if they want to keep their playoff chances alive.

Brendan - QB Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton isn�t a world beater, but he has a ton of talent. It helps when he has a guy like A.J. Green to throw to, for sure. However, Dallas has been very stout against the pass. Dalton is going to have to have a big game just in case Tony Romo can pull out some sort of magic.

Predictions:

Matt � Both of these teams need a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt. The Cowboys are the more desperate team with having a steeper hill to climb. A day after tragedy in Dallas with the death of their teammate Jerry Brown, the Cowboys will rally to a win. Prediction: 14-10 Cowboys

Brendan - Dallas is dealing with a horrific tragedy right now. No one could blame them if they didn�t show up on Sunday, but after seeing how Kansas City responded to their tragedy, who knows, maybe Dallas pulls this one out. Prediction: 27-21 Bengals

Chicago Bears (8-4) at Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

X-Factor:

Matt � LB Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears

With Brian Urlacher down for the rest of the season, Lance Briggs needs to be the new quarterback on offense. Briggs himself is hurt with an ankle injury, but is probable to play against the Vikings. The Bears are at a critical crossroads and will need Briggs at all costs to be the leader of their defense.

Brendan - TE Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

Without WR Percy Harvin, Minnesota has been struggling on offense. Rudolph has stepped up the last few weeks and will need to continue to do so if the Vikings have any chance of upsetting the Bears. Rudolph can exploit the middle with Urlacher out and Briggs hurting, it will be up to Christian Ponder to get him the ball.

Predictions:

Matt � The Bears looked great against Minnesota at Chicago, and with them desperately needing a win, they�ll be just as impressive up north. 28-13 Bears

Brendan - The Bears need a win to hold onto their playoff hopes. Minnesota needs a win to keep the thought of the playoffs alive. Unfortunately both sides won�t be full strength, but the Bears defense can survive without Brian Urlacher, I�m not sure I can say the same about the Vikings offense without Harvin against that Bears defense. Prediction: 23-16 Bears

Houston Texans (11-1) at New England Patriots (9-3)

X-Factor:

Matt � Texans� Secondary

Banged up, the Texans signed Stanford Routt this week to help add depth to their secondary. Will it be enough with Brice McCain out and Jonathan Joseph not necessarily 100% against the Patriots?

Brendan - RB Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots

No one can run on the Texans, but Ridley has been consistent all season, will he be able to keep up the hot hand against the Texans defense? Ridley is seventh in the league in rushing, while the Texans are second in the league against the rush. Who will give in?

Predictions:

Matt � In their last Monday night appearance, the Texans stepped up against the Bears in terrible conditions. However against a high production offense against the Packers, they struggled and their defense failed to show up. Which Texans is the Monday night audience going to see? I have a feeling the Packers version. Prediction: 32-17 Patriots

Brendan - The Texans aren�t 11-1 on accident. They are a damn good team, and outside of great game from the Packers offense are unbeaten. All that said, I�m agreeing with Matt in thinking that the Patriots just find a way. Prediction: 28-24 Patriots[/font]