NFL Picks Week 14: 5 Potential Trap Games for Playoff-Bound Teams

Week 14 in the NFL means that the playoffs are right around the corner. Five playoff-bound teams will face potential trap games against inferior opponents. 

Some teams are struggling to make their way into the playoffs, and for them, the playoffs have already begun. These teams aren't as likely to fall into the trap of looking past an opponent, but the NFL is always full of surprises.

Others are in full-blown cruise mode, having already claimed their spot in the tournament. These teams are simply attempting to continue their high level of play without getting their stars injured (just ask San Francisco).

Whatever their circumstances, these playoff-bound teams must stay focused to avoid the trap.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens

Before anyone jumps down my throat here, remember that the Baltimore Ravens have previously lost to both the Jacksonville Jaguars (shuddering at the memory of that one) and the Seattle Seahawks. 

The likelihood of the Ravens actually losing to the Colts at home isn't high, but I certainly wouldn't put it past Joe Flacco to have another epic meltdown and make everyone forget about his late improvement.

The Ravens' pass-rushers should make minced meat out of the injury-riddled Colts offensive line. Dan Orlovsky might have an Alex Smith experience. Let's just hope he can do as well as Smith to hold onto the ball.

Ravens win in a blowout at home, 31-9.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are among four teams with a 7-5 record vying for two playoff spots. They desperately need this game.

The trouble is that the Lions have been volatile and unpredictable all year long. After starting out the season with an impressive 5-0 record, the Lions have since gone 2-5 and have looked quite lost at times in the process.

The Lions have no running game to speak of, and the Minnesota Vikings are a team designed to take away the pass due to Jared Allen and his 14.5 sacks (second in the NFL).

I think Adrian Peterson will do everything in his power to step up and play in this game, as he has been simmering for a few weeks on the sidelines. 

When it's all said and done, though, Christian Ponder might not play and the Lions offense will simply overwhelm the Vikings defense.

Lions win this one to please the home crowd, 38-24.

New England Patriots vs. Washington Redskins

All you really need to know is this: The Colts gave the New England Patriots a run for their money in the second half of their contest in Week 13.

I expect Tom Brady to continue his historic pace, racking up the yards and getting the ball to his playmakers. I wonder, though, how many times Brady might end up on the ground, because the Redskins front seven is full of young pass-rushers.

If Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman has one of his infrequent, brilliant and random displays of excellence against the suspect passing defense of the Patriots, this one could get exciting. 

The Patriots will avoid the trap and win on the road, 24-17.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals

As a writer that covers the San Francisco 49ers, the game this week against the Arizona Cardinals worries me a bit. 

The Cardinals aren't exactly playing bad football right now. In fact, besides the game that they lost in pathetic fashion to the 49ers, they are playing winning football right now. 

The last contest was in San Francisco, and the Cardinals were without their starting quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Week 14 has the 49ers on the road and without their defensive leader and team captain Patrick Willis. 

The 49ers need to get their offense going and take out the home crowd in order to further secure the number two seed in the NFC.

49ers win ugly on the road, 27-15

Oakland Raiders vs. Green Bay Packers

I really don't see this game even getting close. The Oakland Raiders are so banged up on both sides of the ball. Their defensive line is barely holding together, and Carson Palmer will miss his two top playmakers on offense. 

This could be a perfect recipe for an upset, but the Packers are locked into championship mode right now, and the Raiders aren't the team to knock them off their pedestal. 

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' excellent receivers should dominate the Raiders and delight the home crowd at Lambeau Field. It will be a cool, crisp day and should be a party for the cheesehead-donning faithful.

Packers will blow out the Raiders and win, 38-13.