Once again, the New Orleans Saints have suffered devastating injuries, namely Taysom Hill’s season-ending knee injury, which makes it no surprise where this team stands at this point of the season. Now the walking wounded travel northeast to face the New York Giants on the road. It may be a road game for the Saints, but it is partially a home game for their interim head coach.
Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi is returning to his native New Jersey for a homecoming of sorts. Rizzi was born and raised roughly 16 miles north of MetLife Stadium and it will certainly be his honor to win this game in front of his family and friends, so close to his hometown. Hopefully that is exactly what happens, here in one of New Orleans’ two remaining truly winnable games this season.
Let’s take a look at all of the crucial matchups in the league this week as we enter the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season.
Last week I went 15-1
I told you so: Rams over Saints. (ugh)
What do I know: (Everything except) Bears over Lions?
***
WEEK 14
Thursday, December 5th – Thursday Night Football
Packers(9-3) at Lions(11-1) – Game of the Week
This NFC North showdown has a lot riding on it, as a Green Bay win puts the Pack only a game back of Detroit and Minnesota in the division, while a Detroit win keeps the Lions firmly in the divisional driver’s seat. This will be a close one, and is not only the Game of the Week, but also the best Thursday Night Football game of the season so far. Ultimately, Aaron Glenn’s defense will make the big plays needed against Jordan Love and the Packers passing attack.
Detroit wins 27-21.
Pick: Lions
***
Sunday, December 8th – Early Games
Jets(3-9) at Dolphins(5-7)
Miami’s underrated defense will have no problem shutting down the Jets offense in this AFC East matchup. Miami wins 32-13.
Pick: Dolphins
***
Falcons(6-6) at Vikings(10-2)
Kirk Cousins makes his return to Minnesota, but it won’t be a triumphant one for him, as the Vikings defense creates a hostile homecoming. Minnesota wins 27-12.
Pick: Vikings
***
Panthers(3-9) at Eagles(10-2)
Carolina has played their best football in years over the past five weeks and that will continue this week in Philly, although it will not be enough to beat one of the NFC’s top-two teams. Philadelphia wins 24-20.
Pick: Eagles
***
Browns(3-9) at Steelers(9-3)
A week after Jameis Winston’s quintessential Jameis performance, Winston finds a way not to throw multiple pick-sixes and plays well enough to pull off a second unexpected win over Pittsburgh. Cleveland wins 19-17.
Pick: Browns
***
Raiders(2-10) at Buccaneers(6-6)
Tampa Bay’s cakewalk tour continues against Las Vegas, where the Bucs defense takes advantage of a flurry of turnovers from the Raiders offense. Tampa Bay wins 35-24.
Pick: Buccaneers
***
Jaguars(2-10) at Titans(3-9)
This matchup sucks. Jacksonville wins 27-21.
Pick: Jaguars
***
Saints(4-8) at Giants(2-10)
This game will come down to the ability of the Saints defense to do two crucial things: Pressure the quarterback and stop the running game. Now, that’s easier said than done, as the Saints have struggled to do those very things for the most part, but Drew Lock and this Giants offense is arguably the worst they have faced all season. If these Saints ever had a chance to stack up some sacks and hold an opposing rushing offense ineffective, this is it, and they will. Saints win 23-17.
Pick: Saints
***
Sunday, December 8th – Late Games
Seahawks(7-5) at Cardinals(6-6)
Seattle looks to win their seventh-straight against Arizona, and will succeed thanks to a late touchdown by Geno Smith. Seattle wins 20-13.
Pick: Seahawks
***
Bills(10-2) at Rams(6-6)
Josh Allen will have a massive game against the Rams defense, moving the ball through the air at will, while the Buffalo defense faces little resistance from the Rams offense. This one will be effectively over at halftime. Buffalo wins 34-12.
Pick: Bills
***
Bears(4-8) at 49ers(5-7)
Chicago benefits from the interim head coach bounce, a week after jettisoning Matt Eberflus, thanks to a big performance from Caleb Williams, against a San Francisco team that is falling apart at the seams. Chicago wins 26-16.
Pick: Bears
***
Sunday Night Football
Chargers(8-4) at Chiefs(11-1)
Unsurprisingly, it will be a combination of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs defense that leads the home team to victory in this AFC West matchup. Kansas City wins 20-13.
Pick: Chiefs
***
Monday, December 9th – Monday Night Football
Bengals(4-8) at Cowboys(5-7)
Joe Burrow is clearly in his 2011-2016 Drew Brees era, as he is trying to carry a defenseless franchise with his arm, amassing yards and points without amassing wins. Thankfully for Cincy, he will get them all in this one. Cincinnati wins 24-13.
Pick: Bengals
***
There it is, Week 14 of the NFL season. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!
Source : CanalStreetChronicles