2011 NFL Predictions Week 14

The playoff push has begun for the 2011 NFL season and the race has tightened in both the NFC and the AFC. While we wait to see if the Green Bay Packers can go undefeated, NFL fans are going to be treated to several tight races.

These are going to be my predictions for Week 14 of the 2011 NFL season. My upward trend has continued though it was hard to earn a 11-5, with how some of the teams played. Check out NFL Pick'em contest to see how our season is going.

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Thursday night game features an AFC pairing that has the potential to be an entertaining game if the Steelers come into this game looking ahead. While the Steelers may start the game out flat, you can expect them to pick up the offensive pace, and separate themselves from the Browns by the start of the fourth quarter.

Steelers 27 Browns 10

Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The playoff hopes are still alive for the Bengals who enter this contest with a chance to earn one of the wildcard spots in the AFC. The Texans' defense help power a win last week and may have an easier chance this week if Bengals' rookie quarterback Andy Dalton is still under the effects of his injury. The Bengals are going to rely upon their underrated defense to keep the Texans in check and fine just enough to win the game.

Bengals 24 Texans 17

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions are in need of a win after it seemed half of their team had a major meltdown against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. They will be playing host to the Vikings who lost a close one to the resurgent Denver Broncos. The Lions' defense is going to have it easier this week and should be able to get back on the winning track when their offense puts up points at will against the NFC North opponent.

Lions 34 Vikings 21

New England Patriots vs. Washington Redskins

The Patriots showed last week that it does not matter who the opponent it, they will not overlook them. That is good news considering they are traveling to face the Redskins whose season is all but lost. The Redskins running game came to life last week and will need to repeat itself if they are going to have a chance. Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady will show why he is making it hard for Aaron Rodgers to win the MVP award outright.

Patriots 31 Redskins 13

Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets

The Chiefs scored a hard fought win over the Chicago Bears last week but are going to find a tougher contest against the Jets who are fighting for the playoff lives. The Jets' offense has continued to turn it on though they should find it an easier match this week. Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez will have a solid game and continue to return to his normal self.

Jets 24 Chiefs 3

New Orleans vs. Tennessee Titans

Outside of the Green Bay Packers, the Saints are the one team in the NFC that no one wants to face come the playoffs. With the arm of quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints are going to visit Tennessee to play the mean guy as they look to end the Titans playoff hopes. Titans running back Chris Johnson has slowly been returning to form but will find his carries diminished when the Titans get out to the early lead.

Saints 27 Titans 21

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens

It was bad enough the Colts had to face the New England Patriots last week, now they will be taking on the Ravens who are trying to take over the top spot in the AFC. The Ravens, who look unbeatable at times, have failed to show up against lesser opponents. Do not expect the same when these two teams face and the Colts continue their race to go 0-16.

Ravens 24 Colts 3

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Miami Dolphins

The Eagles looked down right awful when the Seattle Seahawks took them out on Thursday night. They will be facing a Dolphins unit that has looked like the complete opposite of their first half performance. The Dolphins have brought a balanced offense to go with a defense that has held the opposition in check. The game will be close but the Eagles will lose another road game to add to their season of their disappointment.

Dolphins 24 Eagles 17

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

The Falcons lost a chance last week to add some space with their push for the playoffs. They are going to face a dangerous Panthers team led by the potential Offensive Rookie of the Year, Cam Newton. The Falcons are on the road but have shown they are poised enough to win the games needed against lesser opponents. Expect a high scoring game between these two as the Falcons win on the road.

Falcons 31 Panthers 28

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

In a game of what could have been, the Buccaneers and Jaguars will be heading into this match with their playoff hopes gone and the plan for next season has begun. The game is going to come down to which team does a better job of running the ball. Neither team is going to light up the scoreboard in this nail biter.

Buccaneers 17 Jaguars 10

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals

The 49ers are still creeping on the outside of the top seed in the NFC and need the Packers to lose a pair of games if they want a chance for home field throughout the playoffs. The Cardinals would like nothing better than to knock the 49ers down a peg and their defense could if the ball bounces their way. The game will be close but the 49ers will show why they are the class of the NFC West.

49ers 27 Cardinals 21

Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos

The game is going to feature a pair of defenses that have been the reason for their teams' march to the NFL playoffs. The Bears have more bad news with the injury to Matt Forte and will be looking for Marion Barber to shoulder the load. Tim Tebow continues to do what is asked but should have an easier week thanks to his defense rebounding nicely.

Broncos 24 Bears 10

Oakland Raiders vs. Green Bay Packers

Maybe the Raiders were looking past the Dolphins last week, if not this team is in big trouble because it looked like they failed to show up. Does it really matter considering the Packers have been dominant on the offensive side of the ball and look like they are going to match the 16-0 start barring a major injury. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is and will be the MVP by the end of the season.

Packers 35 Raiders 17

Buffalo Bills vs. San Diego Chargers

The Bills and Chargers both showed promised at the beginning of the season but have fallen on hard times as of late. The Chargers offense showed some life last week and will be ready to take the Bills porous defense apart. The Bills, who are missing Fred Jackson, will struggle some and lose a tough road game as their season continues to decline.

Chargers 27 Bills 17

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

The NFC East is on the line when the Cowboys play host to the Giants. Both teams lost games last week and find themselves behind the eight ball when it comes to the NFC playoff picture. Injuries have plagued each team, but their primary signal callers need to show they can be the top of the class and lead their team to a key victory. The key to the game will be the turnovers and who protect the ball better.

Cowboys 24 Giants 21

St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

When it comes to Monday Night Football games for this 2011 NFL season, this is going to go down as one of the least appealing ones that offers little excitement for the average NFL fan. The Seahawks are going to use their running game to control the game from start to finish until they end up with another home win for the year.

Seahawks 21 Rams 10

2011 NFL Season Record 128-64