NFL Betting: In the Huddle - NFL Picks and Predictions Week 14 - Marc
by Marc Reichertz
As we head recklessly into Week 14 with our picks, the playoff picture is heating up fast and furious. With Jacksonville, Denver and the New York Jets all at 7-5, no team can afford a loss, ditto for the 6-6 Panthers and Giants in the NFC, who face off against each other. Unfortunately, the losing team will find themselves in even more dire straits when this one plays out. At the time of this article, we’re not sure whether Jake Delhomme will play, but it’s looking less likely by the hour. Last week was a rough slide to 1-3, but I tip my hat to Jeff Garcia for winning a big game for Philly. Good luck to Mr. Oxley and Mr. Butterfield – the boys in the huddle.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS -1.5 vs. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS +1.5
This is a crucial game for the 7-5 Jacksonville Jaguars to win in order to remain in the wild card hunt with three other quality teams with identical records (Kansas City, Denver and the Jets) battling for their AFC playoff lives. After losing 20-17 at Tennessee on a 60-yard Rob Bironas field goal, the last thing Tony Dungy wants for his club is to lose two straight games heading down the stretch. Manning, who leads the league with 22 touchdown passes, is 3-1 all-time on the road against the Jaguars, passing for an average of 275.5 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Jacksonville’s fourth-ranked defense is only allowing 14.5 points a game while they also rank in the top six against the run and the pass. The key for the Jags will be to run the ball effectively with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, which will allow them to control the clock and hopefully grind out a win. The Colts rank last in the league, allowing an average of 5.1 yards per carry to opposing ball carriers. The Titans rushed for 219 total yards against the Colts last week.
PREDICTION: Colts to cover
With Jake Delhomme suffering from ligament damage in his thumb, it looks like the Panthers will need to rely on Chris Weinke for this pivotal game against the Giants. The 34-year-old quarterback hasn't been a full-time starter since the 2001 season and has thrown only 13 passes in four seasons. He could be forced into duty in a critical game for the Panthers, who, at 6-6, are tied with the Giants and two other teams in the NFC wild-card race. Delhomme hasn’t been ruled out yet, but there is a good chance he won’t have the strength to grip the ball – he missed practice again Friday. A positive for the Panthers is the return of running back DeShaun Foster, although rookie DeAngelo Williams rushed for 100 yards last week. The Panthers secondary was picked apart by Jeff Garcia last week and now they face Eli Manning and company. Look for Manning to have success connecting with Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey and rookie Sinorice Moss, who may see more playing time. Tiki Barber will get plenty of touches along the way, adding to his 1,170 yards rushing on the season.
PREDICTION: Giants to cover
DENVER BRONCOS +7.5 vs. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -7.5
After losing three straight games, the Broncos will be desperate for a win when they take to the field at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday. At 7-5 they are in a dogfight with Kansas City, Jacksonville and the Jets, who are all fighting for a wild card spot. Rookie quarterback Jay Cutler threw two costly interceptions in the Broncos loss to Seattle last week and the young quarterback faces an even tougher challenge this week in a hostile environment. The aggressive Chargers defense leads the league with 44 sacks and just got back its best pass rusher, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman. The Broncos will need to run the ball effectively, but this won’t be easy against a defense that only gives up 92.5 yards per game. After being stifled by the Broncos defense for much of his career, LaDainian Tomlinson finally had a breakout game with four touchdowns and 179 yards from scrimmage in the 35-27 San Diego win at Mile High in November. Tomlinson needs two rushing touchdowns to tie Shaun Alexander’s record 28 – the record switches hands this Sunday.
PREDICTION: Chargers to cover
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS +7 vs. DALLAS COWBOYS -7
Back in 2003 when he was an assistant coach in Dallas, Sean Peyton lobbied hard for the Cowboys to draft rookie Eastern Illinois prospect Tony Romo. On Sunday night, Peyton will reunite with the young man he aggressively recruited, but it will be on the opposing sideline as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Both teams enter this game with 8-4 records and two-game leads in their respective divisions. Through various scenarios, Sunday night’s winner could clinch a playoff berth, but this game will be most important as a measuring stick heading down the stretch. Romo was just named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November where he completed 72.6 percent of his passes for 1,124 yards, nine touchdowns and only one interception for a league-high passer rating of 124.7. The Saints give up 133.1 yards a game on the ground, so the Cowboys will pound the ball with Marion Barber III and Julius Jones, which will create opportunities for Romo downfield. Drew Brees leads the league with 3,649 passing yards, but he may be without outstanding rookie receiver Marques Colston and veteran Joe Horn. The Cowboys have proved to be a tough team to beat at home this season, where they are 4-1.
Check back daily for more contributions and the best NFL betting info in the industry! Join BetUS.com today and start building your bankroll!
Marc Reichertz is a freelance journalist and a regular contributor to the BetUS Locker Room.
