NFL Week 14 Preview: Battle For NFC East Supremacy

We were once again thwarted by the Colts, as they took care of business against Tennessee. Ironically enough, the Saints were the team who struggled, and against a previously 3-8 Washington Redskins team, no less.

The story of last week, while undoubtedly partially going to the Saints' comeback, goes to the Arizona Cardinals and their dismantling of the Minnesota Vikings. The only question is, was this just a good team laying it all on the line in a game they had to win to keep pace in their division?

Perhaps. But the following week usually does an excellent job of answering any questions the previous week couldn't take care of.

Read on for our Five Things to Watch For in Week 14 :



5. Can Chicago Play Spoiler Against Green Bay?

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

This is a bigger game than a lot of people are giving it credit for. The Bears bounced back from a bad run by beating the lowly Rams, and while they don't get much credit for that, they will be hosting a Packers team that they played very closely in the first game of the season.

The Packers are winners of four straight, but they didn't look particularly great doing so in Week 13, and we all know how close division games can be. This is either the week Green Bay finally declares itself a front-runner for a Wild Card spot, or begins its descent. They're a good team, but the Bears have pride, and will play to keep Lovie Smith under contract.

Bears 19, Packers 16


4. Will the Saints Stumble Over a Division Foe?

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

Depending on Matt Ryan and Michael Turner's availability, this could turn out to be a huge game. The Saints still can't stop the run, and the first team to truly expose this fact was Atlanta in a fairly close game several weeks back. The 6-6 Falcons are desperate and need a win to stay in the playoff chase. If Ryan and Turner play, change this pick, but for now, the matchup on paper looks ugly.

Saints 37, Falcons 20

3. Can the Vikings Bounce Back?

Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are back at home before they take a two-game road trip, and can ill afford to lose a big game after getting absolutely trounced by the Arizona Cardinals. Every facet of their team was off of its game, which leads us to believe that we saw a stinker performance out of the Vikes, rather than what they "truly are".

Cincy definitely has the defense to match the Vikings' offense, but we've seen other offenses have success against this Bengals squad, and considering their main strength is running the ball, we're looking for their offense to sputter on the road. Besides, Minnesota just doesn't lose at home.

Vikings 33, Bengals 24

2. Which Team Holds onto Its Division Lead?

San Diego Chargers @ Dallas Cowboys

This is a huge game for both teams, as the both have a one-game (or less) lead in their respective division, and can ill afford to lose this week. San Diego has Denver breathing down its neck, while Dallas just finished getting swept by the New York Giants, and is tied with the Eagles ay 8-4 atop the division. The Chargers are playing better football, and could give Tony Romo fits, even without Eric Weddle.

Chargers 31, Cowboys 28

1. Who Wins the Battle of the Week in the NFC East?

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Much like the Chargers/Cowboys game, this matchup has serious playoff and division implications . The winner isn't guaranteed the division or a playoff spot, but it would vault them into the division driver seat.

Philly is fresh off a very dominant performance over the Falcons, while the Giants rebounded from an embarrassment against the Broncos to sneak past the Cowboys. It should be a fight to the very end, with the Eagles escaping due to a better performing defense.

Eagles 26, Giants 20