Daddy’s Hangout 2017 Week 14 NFL Predictions

Welcome to Week 14 of the NFL season as this begins the final quarter of the season. My record last week was 5-2, which boosted my overall record to 51-38 and raised my winning percentage from 56.8 to 57.3%. Hopefully I can go on a winning streak like my college predictions, which stands at 11 heading into bowl season. Like last week, there will some major match-ups with playoff implications and possible match-ups. The week will start in Atlanta as the division leading Saints visits the Falcons. After dropping a tough home game against the Vikings, Atlanta dropped out of the playoff race and now on the outside looking in. Minnesota is now tied with Philadelphia for best record in the NFC, which they own the tiebreaker ahead of their game with Carolina. This week I’ll be predicting six games with the hopes of improving my record. Let’s Get Started!!

As mentioned before, Atlanta will host their rival New Orleans Saints in their first match-up of the season. New Orleans got back on track last week against Carolina after losing to the Rams the week before. The Saints are hoping to get one-step closer to clinching the division as they swept Carolina. Alvin Kamara is looking more like the offensive rookie of the year as he’s provided more than a spark for the Saints. The Atlanta Falcons went from holding the final Wild Card spot to now on the outside looking in. 3 out of the Falcons last 4 games will be against Panthers and the Saints twice, so they have a tough road ahead. Can the Falcons get their offense on track against the Saints? I’m going with the Falcons to come away with a tough win.

Atlanta Win 31-24

We have another game with playoff implications featuring the Minnesota Vikings. The Carolina Panthers will host the Minnesota Vikings in what could be a playoff preview. Minnesota have taken over the top spot in the NFC after a tough, playoff type of win over the Falcons last week. Minnesota is riding an 8-game winning streak and they are on the heels of clinching the division with a win or losses by Detroit and Green Bay. Carolina is currently heading up the Wild Card in the NFC as they enter their last stretch of the season. New Orleans ended the Panthers 4-game winning streak last week, but will Carolina maintain their lead in the Wild Card? I’m going with the Panthers to find a way to upset the Vikings.

Carolina Win 20-19

We head out west to California; Los Angeles as the Rams host the Philadelphia Eagles in a potential playoff match-up. Philadelphia had their 9-game winning streak snapped last week at the hands of Seattle. If the playoffs started now, they would still have a bye, but they still need a win to clinch the NFC East. The Eagles looked vulnerable for the first time in a long time last week as the offense looked out of sync. Can they rebound from this? Los Angeles is on a 2-game winning streak after Minnesota ended their previous 4-game winning streak. With the wildfires going on in Los Angeles, this game could be moved. This should be a great battle between the top-2 picks of the 2016 NFL Draft. I’m going with the Eagles to rebound and leave with the win.

Philadelphia Win 27-24

This is a battle between two teams with the hopes of making the playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks make the cross-country trip to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars. Seattle is coming off an impressive win over the Eagles to catapult them into the final spot of the Wild Card. Russell Wilson is looking more like the league MVP as he continues to carry this offense without a running game. Can he continue to carry this team against the tough Jaguars defense? Jacksonville have won 5 of their last 6 games as they’re still tied with the Titans for the division lead with Tennessee holding the tiebreaker. The Jaguars have one of, if not the best defense in the league and will give Wilson fits. I’m going with the Jaguars to beat the Seahawks in this match-up.

Jacksonville Win 20-17

If you’re looking for a physical game, this is the game for you. We have the Baltimore Ravens traveling to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers. Baltimore currently are the leaders of the Wild Card by a game over 4 teams coming into this game. The Ravens are riding a 3-game winning streak thanks to their physical defense, but the offense has stepped it up. Can Baltimore head to Pittsburgh and come away with the upset? First off, prayers go to Ryan Shazier who underwent spinal surgery after his horrific injury last week. Pittsburgh is riding a 7-game winning streak and tied with the Patriots atop of the AFC. Can the Steelers make it 8 wins in a row against their rival? I’m going with the Steelers to continue their winning ways.

Pittsburgh Win 24-17

This is the final game of the week, which is the Monday night game. We have the New England Patriots traveling to Miami to face the Dolphins. Rob Gronkowski will be suspended for this game after his hit on Tre’Davious White, which I think is a joke. The Patriots are riding an 8-game winning streak coming into this game against their rival. New England defeated the Dolphins a few weeks ago and they can clinch the division with a win. Miami ended their 5-game losing streak last week with a blowout win over the Broncos. It’s safe to say that the Dolphins deem this year as a failure after they acquired Jay Cutler with the hopes of making the playoffs. I’m going with the Patriots to beat the Dolphins, but it’ll be closer than expected.