NFL week 14 picks

Loren and I only picked one game different last week and I took that one with Miami's 34-14 destruction of Oakland. I'm ow up 3 with a 51-27 to 48-30 record.

Atlanta at Carolina

Derek – Atlanta. Carolina showed up last week but I think the Falcons are just about to the point I thought they'd be during the beginning of the season. Turner is going to run and Ryan is going to hit White all day. They'll outscore the panthers with ease.

Loren - Atlanta. As much as Atlanta has been struggling recently, they should still have enough in the tank to take care of Carolina. I think Atlanta buckles down, gets the ball in the hands of Turner more, and grinds their way to the playoffs.

Philadelphia at Miami

Derek – Miami. One team moving up and one team sinking down. At this point a road game for the Eagles might be a blessing. They've looked bad, but Vick's back and that has to count for something. But won't be enough to be the Fins, who've played like a playoff team the last few weeks.

Loren - Miami. You just can't feel comfortable taking Philly against just about anyone right now. They haven't demonstrated the ability to use their talent effectively and beat the bad teams they're supposed to beat. I'll take team with the hot hand and the momentum, especially when they're the home team.

New Orleans at Tennessee

Derek – New Orleans. The Saints are rolling, and some, Byron Saints fan, says this might be a trap game. I say no and Coloston will have a huge game. At least I hope so, I'm playing Loren for the last Fantasy Football playoff spot.

Loren – New Orleans. Titans have looked much better recently and I wouldn't be surprised to see them make the playoffs, but a win this week is far-fetched. The Saints are on a roll and will win a game that should be closer than most people think.

Buffalo at San Diego

Derek – San Diego. Too far to travel for a slip sliding Bills team. Rivers had a great game last week and will most likely continue.

Loren – San Diego. A match up of two teams with busted hopes. Injuries in Buffalo have taken a toll, as has the thin receiving corp. San Diego can't stop anyone on the ground and defenses are sitting back on Philip Rivers because the Chargers are ineffective running the ball. If the Chargers pull out a win at home, they'll still have an outside shot at the playoffs if the Broncos or a wild card team fade.

NY Giants at Dallas

Derek – Dallas. Home team just a bit more consistent than the G Men. It could be a toss up but I think Romo has the better/healthier weapons.

Loren – NY Giants. I've learned never to trust the Cowboys this late in the season. Remember, this is the team that lost to Arizona last week, beat Miami by one point, and needed overtime and luck to beat Washington the week before. Sure, the Giants have been struggling, too. However, they've only had one bad loss in the last four, and played SF, Philly, and Green Bay close. The Giants know that a win against Dallas vaults them into first in the division and gives them the mental edge in the final week of the season, a rematch with Dallas.

St. Louis at Seattle

Derek – Seattle. Seattle's played well lately and at home they have a distinct advantage. Should be an easy one as long as they don't shoot themselves in the foot.

Loren - Seattle. Just a little regional love for Seattle since they hadn't been featured here for a couple of weeks. Here's the crazy thing: with Detroit fading and facing a tough schedule, and the futures of the Giants and Bears uncertain, the Seahawks have a dark horse shot at a wild card spot. Three of their last four are winnable, which could leave them at 8-8. That might be enough to slip in ahead of the Bears, particularly if they can beat them next week.