NFL Week 14 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Most Impressive Performances

The pressure is on for a good portion of the NFL in Week 14. 

The Packers and 49ers have clinched their respective divisions, but four teams currently sit at 9-3, and there are nine 7-5 clubs. 

Talk about parity. 

Which players will turn in the most impressive performances in this weekend's critical action?

Cam Newton vs. Atlanta Falcons 

The Falcons have a respectable defense, but Newton should be in for a big afternoon at home. He's scaled back the risks he takes as a passer and although that's lowered his passing yard totals, it has lead to more efficiency. 

Newton's running capability will be the X-factor. 

I think that both Newton and his coaches realize that if they get into a shootout, which happens quite often because of their defense, he doesn't need to continually throw the football all over the field.

Running to pick up first downs and score in the red zone is equally effective.

The Falcons secondary takes a hit without cornerback Brent Grimes and don't be shocked if Steve Smith has a big game as well.

Marshawn Lynch vs. St. Louis Rams

In his first meeting against the Rams, Lynch only totaled 88 yards on the ground, but since then, he's been one of the hottest running backs in football. 

Fueled by Skittles, Mr. Beast Mode himself has 259 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games and is easily a better running back at home. 

The Rams surrender nearly 160 yards on the ground per game and expect him to receive more than 20 carries in this NFC West battle. 

I wouldn't be surprised if he eclipses the 125-yard mark and reaches the end zone at least once. 

Eli Manning vs Dallas Cowboys 

I'm going off a hunch more than anything here, but with the talent Eli Manning has around him, I find it hard to believe he won't continue his torrid pace against the division rival Cowboys on Sunday night. 

He has six touchdown passes and three interceptions and has thrown for nearly 375 yards in his last two games. 

With its full complement of wide receivers, New York is extremely difficult to stop through the air and playing in Jerry Land will allow Manning to take many shots down the field without the wind altering the path of the football.

In another game that has all the makings of a shootout, Manning should light up the stat book in Dallas.