NFL Week 14 Picks: Latest Spreads for Sunday's Games

Here we go folks. Week 14 of the 2011 NFL season is surely to be more exciting than the last. A few games for some teams are basically already playoff games, because a loss could doom the season.

In addition, other teams needs to make a statement and try for a higher playoff seed. Some of these elements were also likely to be used in where to place bets.

That said, here are the spreads for each game on Sunday.

Note: FAVORITES are in all CAPS. Click the link to view the entire Week 14 NFL Line.

KC-NYJ, TB-Jax, NE-WASH

Chiefs at JETS (-9)

The Chiefs were fortunate last week to run into a banged of Bears team. As for the Jets, they're winners of two straight and alive for the playoffs.

Both have solid pass defenses that will slow the game down, but the Jets have the better overall defense and are healthier. Not to mention the Chiefs quarterback situation, which has hurt them since Week 10.

Take the Jets against the spread

Buccaneers at Jaguars (Even)

Jacksonville has no pass offense but a respectable defense. Tampa Bay however, hasn't been able to stop anyone with arguably the NFL's worst defense.

And with the Bucs' mediocre offense compared to Jags' running back Maurice Jones-Drew (who's rolled with literally no help), well, Jacksonville has a major advantage.

Take the Jaguars

PATRIOTS at Redskins (-8)

New England definitely needs a win here if they are going to keep the Jets at bay down the stretch. As for Washington, the season's basically over however, there is some defensive talent on this team.

The Redskins have one of the better pass defenses and an okay rush defense. No, it's not great, but better than you'd expect from a 4-8 team. That said, they won't stop Tom Brady, but, thanks to the Patriots weak defense, Washington keeps it close.

Take the Redskins and the points

ATL-CAR, IND-BALT, PHI-MIA

FALCONS at Panthers (-2.5)

The last time these two met in Atlanta, the Falcons won 31-17 and picked off Cam Newton three times. And coming off a tough road loss to Houston, the Falcons need to get back on track.

As for Carolina, they have a top 10 pass and rush offense, however, the rushing is deceiving thanks to Newton's scrambling ability. In the previous meeting, The Dirty Birds defense kept Newton from running all over so expect a similar gameplan to keep the Panthers one-dimensional.

Take the Falcons against the spread

Colts at RAVENS (16.5)

Last week, the Patriots were heavily favored over the Colts, but New England won by just one touchdown. That said, although Baltimore is heavily favored, this one won't be close.

For one, the Ravens actually have a good defense with the ability to shutdown Indy's offense. Now, although most of the Colts points per game have come in garbage time after being down so much, that won't even happen against Baltimore's backups.

Even if Indy's defense plays tough, it'll still be about a 17- to 20-point win for the Ravens.

Take the Ravens against the spread

Eagles at DOLPHINS (-3)

Philadelphia is banged up and has had mental focus issues all season long. Miami on the other hand, has had some changed fortunate and is on roll.

In Miami's last three home games they are 3-0 and the Eagles were embarrassed by the Seahawks in Seattle. Philly may have a solid pass defense but the Dolphins have figured out how to hit the ground hard with Reggie Bush.

Will be a close game however, the Dolphins run defense out-plays the Eagles run defense in the trenches.

Take the Dolphins against the spread

MIN-DET, NO-TEN, HOU-CIN

Vikings at LIONS (-8)

Despite Minnesota's shortcomings this season, they've played well at home. On the road however, well, that's where they abysmal. The Vikings are 1-5 both home and away, but the games have been more lopsided on the road.

The Lions are in a debacle though, because they're just 2-5 in their last seven games and 1-3 at home. Unfortunately for Minnesota, they allowed the Broncos to shred them in the passing game, which is Detroit's specialty.

Take the Lions against the spread

SAINTS at Titans (-3.5)

On paper this looks like a sick lopsided matchup. New Orleans has the NFL's most prolific passing game. The Titans are just 7-5 and barely alive for the playoffs.

The only problem for the Saints, however, is they struggle on the road, and Tennessee plays tough at home. Add in the recent surge of running back Chris Johnson and Tennessee will control the clock and keep New Orleans offense off the field.

If there's one weakness on the Saints, it's their defense, which allows more than 260 passing yards and almost five rush yards per carry.

Take the Titans and the points

Texans at BENGALS (-3)

It's been an unfortunate season for Houston as they've been mauled by injuries like no other. As for Cincinnati, the Bengals have fallen from grace and are just 1-3 in their last four games.

Both need a win here and the Texans have the much better defense and offensive rushing attack. Houston's passing game won't be a factor, but then again, it won't need to be as they also win the field position battle.

Cincinnati may have played the Ravens tough, but they struggled at home versus Cleveland in Week 12, whereas Houston just beat Atlanta at home despite having all their injuries.

Take the Texans against the spread

CHI-DEN, SF-ARZ, BUF-SD

Bears at BRONCOS (-3.5)

For Denver fans, it's kind of bitter sweet playing a banged-up Bears team at home because most were hoping to boo Jay Cutler. Nonetheless, Chicago's vulnerable across the board now.

Their rush defense is about all that's left so as long as the Broncos can maintain their stout rushing attack, that'll fend off any blitzers. When the Bears have the rock, the Broncos are susceptible to giving up yards, but it's never the double-whammy.

Meaning, it's never yards and points (at least as of recent). The Orange Crush will either allow points and force turnovers, or allow yards but not allow too many points.

Take the Broncos against the spread

49ERS at Cardinals (-3.5)

With Arizona having won 4-of-5 the Cardinals become a formidable matchup against San Francisco. Unfortunately for the Cards, though, their defense won't get off the field.

Frisco's ground game will control the clock, and, at the very least, change the field position. Despite the dominance of Patrick Peterson as a return specialist, Ted Ginn of San Francisco is more established and just as dangerous.

That said, the 49ers rush defense and pass rush will also prevent Arizona from establishing a multidimensional offense.

Take the 49ers against the spread

Bills at CHARGERS (-7)

It's the Start-Fast/Slow-Down Bowl between Buffalo and San Diego. Both began the year flying high, but have since tailed off and are highly likely to miss the postseason.

Luckily for San Diego though, quarterback Philip Rivers finally had a great game this season last week against a solid Jacksonville defense. Buffalo's isn't as good, but they do know how to force interceptions, something Rivers has struggled with this season.

And as long as Buffalo can play mistake-free, against a vulnerable Chargers defense, it'll be a close game. Don't trust the Bolts just yet because of one good performance, although they should win.

Take the Bills and the points

OAK-GB, NYG-DAL

Raiders at PACKERS (-11)

No matter how much success the Raiders have on the ground against Green Bay, their defense won't slow down the Packers aerial assault.

Oakland ranks No. 17 against the pass and No. 28 against the rush. For as much as the cheeseheads throws the ball, they may run more to help smooth out their own ground game.

The Raiders also have an improved passing attack, but Green Bay is excellent at disguising coverages and forcing turnovers. A big reason why they allow so many points and yards is because they take a lot of risks.

Take the Packers against the spread

Giants at COWBOYS (-3.5)

Arguably the game of the week, the Giants need a win at Dallas to take the top spot in the NFC East. Both have had their fair share of disappointments this season, so something's gotta give in this game.

Both have great passing offenses however, the Cowboys also know how to run the ball well. Defensively, neither defend the pass well, but Big D has a better rush defense and pass rush.

Not to mention Tony Romo is much more mobile than Eli Manning, he's also not as accurate either. Then again, Dallas has just as good wide receivers and a more opportunistic pass defense.

Take the Cowboys against the spread

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27