NFL Picks Week 14: Early Predictions for the Biggest Games of the Week

Every game is important at this point of the season, but there are a few matchups in Week 14 that truly standout. 

While the New York Jets traveling to the Jacksonville Jaguars might be the greatest thing to happen to Tim Tebow supporters, the rest of the country will want to avoid this snooze fest.

Instead, NFL fans should keep their eyes on the following games taking place on Sunday and Monday which will likely decide major components of the postseason. 

Dallas Cowboys at Cincinnati Bengals

The Dallas Cowboys got a much-needed win over the Philadelphia Eagles to stay alive in the playoff race. However, it is not that difficult beating a defense that seems to have given up over the past eight weeks.

Things will be much tougher against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed just 10.5 points per game over their current four-game winning streak.

This game will come down to turnovers. Tony Romo has thrown 13 interceptions in the team's six losses, but only two in their six wins. The Cowboys have a high-powered offense, but it will not mean anything if they cannot hold onto the football.

On the other side of the football, the defense will have to shore things up against the run, because BenJarvus Green-Ellis has now topped 100 rushing yards in each of the last three weeks.

It is an important game for both teams, but the Bengals are simply playing better at this point in the season.

Prediction: Bengals 27, Cowboys 20

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

Although the Chicago Bears did not do much wrong against the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson proved that a dynamic player can beat this team almost on his own.

Minnesota has that player in Adrian Peterson, who has been incredible this year after suffering a torn ACL at the end of last season.

In the last six games, the running back is averaging 157.8 rushing yards per game with six touchdowns over that stretch. Last game, he totaled 210 yards on the ground in a losing effort against the Green Bay Packers.

The Vikings have fallen behind in the standings after two losses, but the team gets to return home this week to a place where they have a 5-1 record on the year.

Chicago's only win in the past month has been against Minnesota, but the Bears can be in trouble this week.

Prediction: Vikings 20, Bears 17

Houston Texans at New England Patriots

There have been some great Monday Night Football games so far this year, but this one might be the best yet.

No one is playing better at this point of the year than the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots, and this might be a preview of the AFC Championship Game. 

In this matchup, the Texans are going to have some serious problems slowing down Tom Brady. 

Chad Henne, Matthew Stafford and Jake Locker all threw for over 300 yards against Houston's defense in the past three weeks, so one can only imagine what one of the best quarterbacks in history will do.

However, Houston's offense can be just as dangerous with the rebirth of Andre Johnson. New England will not be able to key on the run like it has in past weeks.

At the end of the day, the Patriots are more accustomed to winning high-scoring games, which is exactly what this matchup will turn into on Monday.

Prediction: Patriots 38, Texans 31

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