NFL Picks Week 14: 6 Trends That Could Shake Up Your Prediction Sheet

Before you get your prediction sheet out for Week 14 and mark down your picks, there are a few trends you might want to consider.

In fact, there are many factors to consider when thinking about any matchup. 

Who's banged up?

There is no team in the NFL that has been hit harder lately than the Chicago Bears. It is a shame that a team building incredible momentum like the Bears was suddenly assaulted in this way.

Going forward, it's likely that the decline will continue. Caleb Hanie hasn't been able to handle Mike Martz's offense, and losing Forte will only make his job harder.

The upcoming game against the Broncos at Invesco Field in Denver will be brutal. Denver's steadfast fanbase finally has something to cheer about, and I'm picking the Broncos to give them another great performance on defense and win at home.

Which team is on a roll?

The Houston Texans are on a six-game winning streak, despite losing both their first and second string quarterbacks to season-ending injuries.

With a Top Three defense and two explosive runners, the Texans are playing postseason-style football in December.

Rookie quarterback out of North Carolina T.J. Yates has led the team's last two victories, and he has displayed excellent poise in the process.

Look for the Texans to upset the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14.

Which team has hit the skids?

In a game that very well could determine their season, the New York Giants travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys, who hold a one-game lead over their divisional rivals.

The Giants are coming into this game on a four-game losing streak. 

The crowd will be rumbling in Dallas, and the Cowboys will put the pressure on Eli Manning to beat their pass rush. 

The Cowboys should win this game at home, but they should have won last week against the Arizona Cardinals, too. 

This one is too close to call, but I'm giving the edge to the home team here.

Which team is ready to turn things around?

The Detroit Lions can still limp their way into the playoffs, now that Chicago is suffering. The team has lost two straight games, but they face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. 

This game should be just the medicine the ailing Lions need to get back on track. The Vikings may be without star defensive end Jared Allen due to a groin-punching incident. 

Just one more reason that this is the game right the ship for Jim Schwartz and the Lions.

Which team is ready to take a dive?

The Carolina Panthers have won two games in a row for the first time this season. I expect this to change in Week 14 against a pissed off Atlanta Falcons team that is fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Falcons are fresh off their defeat in Houston, where points were hard to come by. They will explode on the weaker Panthers secondary, and run away with this game. 

Which team is walking into a trap? 

The San Francisco 49ers travel to Arizona to face off against divisional rivals, the Cardinals. 

The 49ers just wrapped up the NFC West title in Week 13, and this game is the definition of a trap game. Head coach Jim Harbaugh will have the players ready, however. 

The New Orleans Saints are nipping at the 49ers' heels in the race for the No. 2 seed in the NFC. 

The 49ers will win on the road, but it's never easy. Expect some ugliness in this one.