It is crunch time in the NFL season as teams wishing to make a surge for the playoffs either have to make their move or fall by the wayside.
Dallas Cowboys became the first team to clinch a post-season berth last week and, should results go their favour this weekend, they can secure a first-round bye, while the same could be said for New England Patriots.
Kansas City Chiefs have strengthened their push with a victory over Oakland Raiders to kick off the week. Here, Coral gives its five top tips for teams to emulate the Chiefs’ success in Week 14.
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles
After their bright start to the season Philadelphia Eagles’ campaign appears to be on the slide along with the performances of rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. At 5-7 their playoff hopes are all but over, but will be looking to end their season on a high note to take confidence into next term.
The Redskins are entering a crucial phase in their campaign. Unless they can beat the Eagles their post-season aspirations will be hanging in the balance, with Jay Gruden’s men needing to end a run of back-to-back defeats.
Kirk Cousins put in an underwhelming performance in Washington’s defeat to Arizona Cardinals last week, but he should bounce back against a struggling defense to guide his team to a 7-12 point victory at Lincoln Financial Field at odds of 17/4.
The Bills played excellent football to have Oakland Raiders on the rack in the first half of their clash at the Colisesum last week. However, they were stunned by the AFC West side’s comeback led by Derek Carr to slip to their sixth loss of the season, leaving them with a make-or-break game against the Steelers.
Pittsburgh are in the same situation, but have won one game more than Rex Ryan’s men. Mike Tomlin’s side have reeled off three wins on the bounce and are reaching their peak form at just the right time in the campaign.
There are still a few chinks in the Steelers’ armour therefore it would not be a surprise to see the Bills raise their game to claim a crucial win at 13/10 on the money line, making one last effort to reach the playoffs.
Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans
The Titans come into this game fresh off their bye week and at a crucial point in their season, with the AFC South wide open for Mike Mularkey’s men to scoop the divisional crown.
They have been inconsistent to say the least as their 6-6 record would suggest, but it’s time for quarterback Marcus Mariota to drive his team towards the post-season with a shining display against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Denver have been equally up and down, but managed to take advantage of Jacksonville Jaguars’ struggles last week to claim a vital win to keep them in the playoff picture. The Broncos made their name with tight wins last season and a 1-6 point at Nissan Stadium at 13/5 could be the likely outcome from the contest.
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
The Giants have been the only team to stop Dallas this season, claiming the victory in Week 1 of the campaign. Both sides have been in excellent form this term and Sunday’s contest will provide great entertainment at MetLife Stadium.
Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott were not quite at their best in the Cowboys’ narrow win over Minnesota Vikings. The duo have been at the heart of the club’s success this season and if their production slows then Jason Garrett’s men could be in trouble later in the term.
New York always seem to get up for games against top-quality opposition and it would not be a surprise to see Eli Manning put in an inspired display to guide Ben McAdoo’s side to victory at 8/5 on the money line.
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
The Patriots’ charge for the number one seed in the AFC was helped by the Raiders’ defeat to Kansas City, which will allow Bill Belichick’s men to take control of the conference with a win over Baltimore.
John Harbaugh’s side picked the right moment to produce their performance of the season, hammering Miami Dolphins 38-6 at MT&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens are one of the few teams in the NFL that have no fear over playing the Patriots on the road, recording a couple of famous victories in New England.
As a result, Baltimore should be able to cover the +6.5 spread given that the Patriots’ offense has been far from perfect since Rob Gronkowski was ruled out for the season, and the Ravens defense is statistically the best in the league.
