NFL Week 14: Previews, Predictions, Fantasy Tips, Betting Tips, and More
The NFL regular season is inching closer to its end, and the playoff picture is shaping up. Week 14 also brings an end to bye weeks for the season, as the six teams (Baltimore, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, New England, Washington) who haven’t had a week off yet will be watching from home.
With that in mind, there’s still plenty of action to look forward to this week. A few teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, but there are still several teams trying to fight their way into the postseason and others trying to earn home-field advantage. Let’s get into your week 14 preview, with NFL betting tips, fantasy football tips, and more.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)
1 PM ET | CBS | Buccaneers -6.5
Key Raiders Storyline
With Aidan O’Connell under center, the Raiders almost knocked off the Chiefs. The team will spend the rest of this season evaluating O’Connell to determine if he’s the answer at QB going into next season.
Key Buccaneers Storyline
Tampa Bay is still very much alive in the NFC playoff picture, especially in the race for the South. Every game matters for Tampa.
Key Stat
The Bucs are only 2-4 at home this season and haven’t had a home game since week 10.
Bold Prediction
Mike Evans, who recently returned from injury, will torch the Raiders secondary for two touchdowns and 100 yards.
Fantasy Tip
Both Rachaad White and Bucky Irving could be in line for big days against a questionable Raiders run defense.
Betting Tip
Baker Mayfield is historically not very good against the spread as a favorite. Take the Raiders plus the points.
Final Prediction
Buccaneers 24, Raiders 20
New York Jets (3-9) @ Miami Dolphins (5-7)
1 PM ET | CBS | Dolphins -6.5
Key Jets Storyline
There have been rumblings of the Jets benching Aaron Rodgers following his struggles this season. If those struggles continue against Miami, have we seen the last of Aaron Rodgers in New York?
Key Stat
Bold Prediction
Chop Robinson will log two sacks against the Jets who are without their starting left tackle.
Fantasy Tip
If the Jets don’t have Sauce Gardner (hamstring), it could be a huge day for Jaylen Waddle as the Jets double Tyreek Hill.
Betting Tip
Both teams struggle offensively in the first half, which means you should take the first half under of 23.5 in this one.
Final Prediction
Jets 23, Jets 15
Carolina Panthers (3-9) @ Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
1 PM ET | Fox | Eagles -12
Key Panthers Storyline
Bryce Young has shown some flashes in recent weeks. A solid game against a stout Philly defense could make him the starting QB going into next season.
Key Eagles Storyline
There are six scenarios in which an Eagles win clinches a postseason berth for Philly.
Key Stat
Carolina is 31st in yards per game this season, a number that isn’t likely to improve against one of the league’s best defenses.
Bold Prediction
Miles Sanders will score a TD in this one, as he’ll get some touches when the game is out of hand late.
Fantasy Tip
Chubba Hubbard has been solid this season, but this is a matchup nightmare for Carolina’s lead back. If you can put him on the bench, do it.
Betting Tip
Philly is 8-4 against the spread this season. They shouldn’t have too many problems covering in this one, even though 12 points is a big spread.
Final Prediction
Eagles 31, Panthers 16
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) @ Tennessee Titans (3-9)
1 PM ET | CBS | Titans -3.5
Key Jaguars Storyline
After a late hit last Sunday, the Jags will be without Trevor Lawrence for the rest of the season. For a team that was already vying for the top draft pick, the loss of Lawrence may be enough to lock them in at number one.
Key Titans Storyline
A loss on Sunday formally eliminates the Titans from the playoffs. They’re not getting in, but it can be made official this week.
Key Stat
Tennessee gives up fewer passing yards than any team in the league (171.8 per game). They’ll be facing a Mac Jones-led offense that hasn’t shown any signs of life.
Bold Prediction
Will Levis will have his best game of the season against the Jags' defense, which is the worst in the league against the pass.
Fantasy Tip
Tony Pollard should be poised for a big game.
Betting Tip
Tennessee is 2-10 against the spread this season, the worst in the league.
Final Prediction
Titans 27, Jaguars 13
New Orleans Saints (4-8) @ New York Giants (2-10)
1 PM ET | Fox | Saints -5
Key Saints Storyline
How will the Saints’ offense, which hasn’t been great, look without Taysom Hill who is done for the season?
Key Giants Storyline
Is it over yet? Sorry Giants fans, but this team is already looking toward the offseason, which could include massive overhauls to the roster and the coaching staff.
Key Stat
The Giants are 0-7 against the spread in their last seven games, their longest streak of the Super Bowl era.
Bold Prediction
Alvin Kamara will score three touchdowns.
Fantasy Tip
The Giants are giving up the 8th most points to fantasy RBs in PPR leagues. Kamara is going to go off.
Betting Tip
Take the Saints giving the points. The Giants just are not a competitive team.
Final Prediction
Saints 28, Giants 13
Cleveland Browns (3-9) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
1 PM ET | CBS | Steelers -6
Key Browns Storyline
The Browns upset the Steelers just two weeks ago. They’ll look to play spoiler again.
Key Steelers Storyline
10 wins would all but clinch a postseason berth for Pittsburgh who is in the driver’s seat in the AFC North.
Key Stat
Pittsburgh is running for more than 120 yards per game, and Cleveland is giving up roughly 130 yards per game on the ground.
Bold Prediction
Jameis Winston will throw two or more picks, coming off a three-interception game.
Fantasy Tip
If you’re in a deeper league, Jaylen Warren is poised for a good game this week. He’s a solid flex option.
Betting Tip
The Browns have lost 20 straight regular season games in Pittsburgh. Take the Steelers' moneyline.
Final Prediction
Steelers 24, Browns 17
Atlanta Falcons (6-6) @ Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
1 PM ET | Fox | Vikings -5
Key Falcons Storyline
Kirk Cousins has been struggling as of late. Can he turn it around in his return to Minnesota?
Key Vikings Storyline
Minnesota can clinch a playoff spot with a win, along with a Cardinals loss and a Rams loss or tie.
Key Stat
Atlanta is 1-3 in games where Cousins gets sacked three or more times. They’ll face a blitz-happy Vikings defense this week.
Bold Prediction
Cousins will have a rough week in which he gets sacked four times and throws a pair of interceptions.
Fantasy Tip
Kyle Pitts has once again dipped into fantasy irrelevancy, a trend that he should be able to turn around against a Vikings D that is middle of the pack against tight ends.
Betting Tip
Kirk Cousins is 16-30 against the spread when playing indoors in his last five seasons.
Final Prediction
Vikings 31, Falcons 21
Seattle Seahawks (7-5) @ Arizona Cardinals (6-6)
4:05 PM ET | CBS | Cardinals -3
Key Seahawks Storyline
This is almost a must-win for Seattle. A win improves their postseason chances to 76% while a loss drops it to 26%.
Key Cardinals Storyline
This one also feels like a must-win for Arizona. If they win, they have a 63% chance of making the postseason, while a loss drops their odds to 12%.
Key Stat
Geno Smith is near the top of the league in passing yards but only has 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Bold Prediction
James Conner will be the difference-maker, scoring two touchdowns.
Fantasy Tip
Don’t start Geno Smith unless you have no other options at QB.
Betting Tip
The Cardinals' defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown at home in their last three games in Arizona.
Final Prediction
Cardinals 24, Seahawks 15
Chicago Bears (4-8) @ San Francisco 49ers (5-7)
4:25 PM ET | Fox | 49ers -4
Key Bears Storyline
Thomas Brown has been promoted again, now to interim head coach following the firing of Matt Eberflus. What will the Bears look like with Brown running the whole show?
Key 49ers Storyline
The 49ers will be without Christian McCaffery and Jordan Mason for six weeks and four weeks respectively. Their postseason chances are dwindling, so they’ll need to figure it out soon if they want to have any hope of making the playoffs.
Key Stat
Brock Purdy has thrown 10 touchdowns and seven picks in games without McCaffery, compared to 47 touchdowns and only 16 interceptions in games with him.
Bold Prediction
The 49ers will struggle to out-physical the Bears, but Chicago will do something to keep San Fran in this one late.
Fantasy Tip
Brock Purdy’s recent struggles have moved him from must-start territory to only being useful if you’re in deep leagues or two-QB leagues.
Betting Tip
Chicago hasn’t won a Sunday game on the road outside of primetime since 2021. Take the 49ers’ moneyline if you’re not comfortable with the spread.
Final Prediction
49ers 23, Bears 21
Buffalo Bills (10-2) @ Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
4:25 PM ET | Fox | Bills -4.5
Key Bills Storyline
The Bills are currently Super Bowl favorites with some sports books. If they can stay hot, they’ll have a chance to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if Kansas City drops a game.
Key Rams Storyline
Even with a win, the Rams only have a 26% chance of making the playoffs. How motivated will they be in a game that’s not likely to help them get into the playoffs?
Key Stat
The Rams are giving up 215.3 passing yards per game, which is pretty close to the middle of the pack. Can they slow down Josh Allen?
Bold Prediction
Allen won’t have a receiving TD this week, but he will add four touchdowns to his resume; two through the air and two on the ground.
Fantasy Tip
Cooper Kupp is coming off his worst fantasy performance of the season. He’s going to turn things around against Buffalo.
Betting Tip
The Bills have put up 30 or more points in six straight games. Take them to cover the spread.
Final Prediction
Bills 34, Rams 24
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (11-1)
8:20 PM ET | NBC/Peacock | Chiefs -4
Key Chargers Storyline
The Chargers are probably going to make the postseason, but their chances go to 98% with a win.
Key Chiefs Storyline
Every victory gets the Chiefs one game closer to home-field advantage in the postseason. A divisional win here would be doubly sweet for KC.
Key Stat
The Chiefs have nine one-score wins this season. This one should be close all the way through.
Bold Prediction
Justin Herbert will out-gun Patrick Mahomes and lead the Chargers to victory.
Fantasy Tip
Don’t fall into the trap of plugging Gus Edwards in with Dobbins’ injury. Gus has struggled on the ground, and the Chargers have plenty of pass-catchers on the roster.
Betting Tip
Mahomes is 0-3-1 against the spread when facing AFC West teams this season.
Final Prediction
Chargers 34, Chiefs 31
Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-7)
Monday, 8:15 PM ET | ESPN/ABC | Bengals -5.5
Key Bengals Storyline
Can the Bengals' defense get right against the Cowboys? It’s been one of the worst defensive units in the NFL this season.
Key Cowboys Storyline
Jerry Jones says that Mike McCarthy may not get fired after this season, but a win against Joe Burrow and company would have to help McCarthy’s dreams of staying in Dallas.
Key Stat
Dallas ranks 13th in passing defense this season, while the Bengals are one of the best teams in terms of passing offense.
Bold Prediction
CeeDee Lamb will score two touchdowns in the first half.
Fantasy Tip
Joe Burrow has never covered the spread on Monday Night Football.
Betting Tip
Burrow’s struggles against the spread on Monday Night Football shouldn’t keep you from taking the better offense in this one. They may not cover the spread, but the moneyline is a good bet.
Final Prediction
Bengals 30, Cowboys 27