NFL Picks Week 14: Chicago Bears and Other Upset Specials

Another week, another slew of upsets in the NFL.

The Raiders and Cowboys were surprise victors, while the Patriots, Vikings and Giants all won by more massive margins than many had predicted.

With the playoff picture still very much to be determined, the action in Week 14 will serve as a serious "make it or break it" week for many clubs.

Which teams are poised to take a step back next weekend? Find out. 

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills rolls out against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty I

After edging out the Dolphins last week, the Browns are riding high entering a matchup with the lowly Bills.

Despite their 2-10 record, the Bills actually play a very solid brand of football at home, and the weather conditions could provide a serious home-field advantage in this matchup.

RB Peyton Hillis looked tired for the first time all season in Week 13, and his aggressive running style is a major factor in the team's success. 

Look for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to test the Browns secondary early and often, which could lead to a high-scoring affair. 

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers watches as his team takes on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Da

In a very (un)exciting matchup of NFC West rivals, the 49ers could (and should) beat a less-than-intimidating Seahawks club. With QB Alex Smith back at the helm, the team will be playing with a renewed sense of urgency.

Unbelievably, the boys from the Bay Area are still alive in the playoff race at 4-8, and a win against 6-6 Seattle would bring them that much closer. With Seattle's leading wideout Big Mike Williams looking like a game-time decision at best, the 49ers must concentrate on stuffing the run to secure a W in this one.

With the chance to show off just how serious they are about a playoff push, you can bet Mike Singletary will have his crew fully motivated to play a hell of a game on Sunday. 

Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Arian Foster #23 and Vonta Leach #44 of the Houston Texans celebrate after Foster scored on a 14-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010

The Texans might be at home, but the Ravens are the odds-on favorite in this one.

With both teams coming off stinging losses, each club will be looking to take out their aggression on the other. However, it is the Texans that should be playing with more urgency as they are now on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.

If Houston can provide any sort of defense against a Ravens offensive attack that has been less than stellar in recent weeks, the offense should be explosive enough to overcome a tough Baltimore D. RB Arian Foster should have another fine day on the ground, and WR Andre Johnson has proven that it really doesn't matter who is covering him since he always finds success.

This one is more of a long shot than the previous two, but the Ravens simply haven't been all that convincing in recent weeks. 

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the red challenge flag on a play involving Brent Celek #87 in the second half as Michael Vick #7 looks on against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on Dece

Nobody would suspect a 4-8 record from the Cowboys the way they've been playing recently.

Clearly a re-energized squad after Wade Phillips' dismissal, the boys in Big D are playing like they've got everything in the world to lose. With a heavily anticipated division showdown against the Eagles on Sunday, the Cowboys could really turn some heads with another impressive win.

Coming off an overtime victory against Peyton Manning and the Colts, the underachieving Cowboys will look to overcome an injury to WR Dez Bryant and continue asserting their newfound dominance over the Eagles.

If they're going to win, Dallas has to do what nobody else has been able to thus far:

Stop Michael Vick. 

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears

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DETROIT - DECEMBER 05: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears scrambles for a first down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 5, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Bears defeated the Lions 24-20. (Photo by Leo

The Patriots are dominant right now, but you'd be foolish to overlook the Bears.

Playing the best football that Chicago has seen in a long time, the transition to a balanced offensive attack has really done wonders for the first-place team. Winning games by running the ball, making the smart play and playing good defense, the Bears have instituted a throwback style of football that has worked wonderfully.

Led by Julius Peppers, the defensive unit is beginning to strike fear in the heart of the opponent much as it did earlier in the decade. Pair that with an improved Jay Cutler under center, and it's no wonder that Chicago sits at 9-3.

If they knock off the Pats, they'll be tied with the same record at 10-3, but will be sitting firmly atop the football world.