NFL Week 14 Preview: There’s Still A Path

By Alex Lauzon from the “Course of Life” podcast

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Week FOURTEEN? Can we slow down the clock before this entire season disappears before our eyes? Or, if you’re a Patriots fan…can we please time-travel to April and her NFL Draft? I’m joking to numb my pain, but the season is flying just like all good and fun things in life, so the time is fleeting to score a W in our weekly NFL contests. There are only so many more regular season weeks left and as we careen towards the playoffs, the games start to mean more. The 49ers made the biggest statement with their win last weekend, while the defending champion couldn’t even win with their good luck charm Taylor Swift in the building. Who knew?

The spread this week is full of what I call “opportunity” games for some surprisingly decent teams to actually put themselves in postseason position. It’s hard to believe that the Broncos, Browns, and Rams are all still in the hunt with big games ahead this weekend, but it’s the reality. The pile of mediocrity in the NFL in 2023 is pretty large, and the week fourteen slate of games may help us sort through the trash to find some real playoff teams. Let’s get to the games:

Games of the Week

Jaguars @ Browns (+3) - 1 pm ET - The Jaguars are a perfect 5-0 on the road this season, and their next road challenge comes against…JOE FLACCO and the Browns? He looked decent enough to keep the job for now as the Browns try to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Rams @ Ravens (-7) - 1 pm ET - The Ravens are off a bye and this is the make-or-break moment to see if they’re a contender. The postseason push in Baltimore starts by hosting a Rams team that just scored a much needed win to get them back to .500 and in contention for a wild card spot.

Seahawks @ 49ers (-10.5) - 4:05 pm ET - The stock couldn’t be any higher for the 49ers, who steamrolled the Eagles in Philly to make a mammoth statement in the NFC. With the Seahawks off of a loss, it’s a great spot for San Fran and Deebo to continue their flexing.

Bills @ Chiefs (-2.5) - 4:25 pm ET - Taylor Swift finally saw a loss, but she hasn’t seen her man lose at home yet. This game will bring back past playoff memories, the Bills just hope they don’t leave 13 seconds on the clock. Big spot here for the Bills if they still want a crack at the AFC, and the line tells you they stand a chance.

Broncos @ Chargers (-2.5) - 4:25 pm ET - The Chargers had a really sad 6-0 win in New England, while the Broncos had a sad loss in Houston. From here, this feels like a “loser is likely done contending type of game.” I think Denver finds some bounceback momentum in this one and keeps the dream alive in the AFC West.

Fishy Lines to Watch

Titans @ Dolphins (-13) - 8:15 pm ET (Monday) - The Biggest spread of the week reminds me of last Sunday. I got roped into betting the Commanders to cover and it absolutely did NOT happen. The Titans defense should offer more resistance but I’m watching this line movement to see if it eclipses two touchdowns - then it is tempting.

Texans @ Jets (+6.5) - 1 pm ET - Strange vibes all around on this game. The spot feels trappy for the trending Texans, and at QB for the Jets is…a complete mystery. Zack Wilson might start against his will, and that verdict will determine which side I play. If he plays I’ll take my chances on Houston.

The Primetime Pick

Eagles @ Cowboys (-3.5) - 8:20 pm ET (Sunday) - A classic NFC East duel I feel we’ve seen a thousand times on Sunday Night Football, but this one has some meaning and potential first-round bye implications if both these teams are tied at the end of the regular season.

Week Fourteen Plays To Watch

(24-16 last seven weeks)

Ravens -7 - I’m still not quitting on them, they should bounce back after a bye.

Browns +3 - Seems stinky so it should pay off in the end, right?

Broncos +2.5 - That Chargers offense is ice cold lately.

Keep an Eye on Titans +13, especially if it goes over 14.

Eagles +3.5 - This rivalry tends to be a knee-knocker and this will repeat form.

Lock of the Week

Packers -6 - The Tommy DevIto magic runs thin on Monday Night.