NFL week 14 open thread

I have to tell you, I’ve had better weeks — and seasons.  Before I even had a chance to pick my Pittsburgh Steelers this week, they lost to the lowly Cleveland Browns for their fifth loss in a row.  They’re now 6-7 and all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.  Let’s put it this way.  If several AFC teams in the wildcard hunt decided to give up football to join AmeriCorps, the Steelers would make it into the playoffs.  Absent that, I think last year’s champs will be watching the games on their big-screen TVs.  The team they beat will make it back, though.  The Arizona Cardinals beat the Minnesota Vikings in their home game last week, and ruined another pick for me.

Last week I broke even again, pushing my season record for picks to 48-24.  Here are my selections this week:

• Cincinnati at Minnesota – This should be an interesting game.  Minnesota has just come off a tough road loss and will be looking for a comeback.  Cincinnati has played well this season but may be coasting a bit, having all but clinched its division with Pittsburgh and Baltimore losses last week.  I’ll pick the Vikes, 24-17.
• New Orleans at Atlanta – We have two teams at 12-0 for the first time ever.  Can the Saints keep marching in Atlanta?  I don’t think the inconsistent Falcons can beat them, especially after the scare that the Washington Redskins threw into them last week.  Saints over the Falcons, 34-14.
• Denver at Indianapolis – After starting off strong this season, Denver has lost four in a row before winning their last two against Kansas City and the Giants.  Indianapolis is looking to keep pace with the Saints and stretch their unbeaten record at home.  I’m picking the Colts and Peyton Manning at home, especially after an impressive win against a resurgent Titans team, but it should be a pretty good game.  Let’s say 28-24 and Indy stays unbeaten.
• San Diego at Dallas – As ESPN says, San Diego plays tough in December, and Dallas … not so much.  The Chargers have picked themselves up after a slow start and now lead their division.  A win here with a Denver loss could put the division in their control.  Dallas is tied with Philly and needs this desperately.  They’re playing at home, but I have to pick the Bolts to win this one, 27-20.
• Green Bay at Chicago – Here are two teams in a division clearly going in opposite directions.  Green Bay has a shot at a wildcard slot in the NFC, while Chicago has a chance to … get cold.  Green Bay has improved, but can they beat the Bears on the road?  If they keep Aaron Rodgers off the ground, the Packers should easily handle Da Bears, 24-13.  The big question will be how many interceptions Jay Cutler tosses today.
• Philadelphia at NY Giants – The Giants looked to be heading out of the playoff picture until they upended Dallas last week.  If they can do the same to the Eagles, they will have a claim to the division lead (assuming Dallas loses at home today).  New York fans will howl since this has been the kiss of death for the Giants this year, but I’ll pick them to beat the Eagles at home in a close game, 21-17.