Minnesota Vikings: 6-6 (2nd in NFC North) San Francisco 49ers: 3-9 (3rd in NFC West)
Last Game(s):
Vikings 42, Lions 10 Panthers 31, 49ers 14
Why We Care: Nobody really gave the Vikings much of a chance before the season, and they seemed to justify that lack of faith early in the season (despite Adrian Peterson's better attempts). But they've won three in a row and four of their last five. They've got the most exciting young player in the league right now, a great run game, and a strong defense. That's a formula for playoff success -- if the Vikings can continue this momentum into the postseason, they could surprise a team or two.
When the Giants have the ball: You never know what to expect from New York's offense these days. Which Eli Manning will show up? How foolish will offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride get with the play calling? And how will some of the injured players perform? Those questions are nearly impossible to answer, but on the bright side, at least the Giants will have Brandon Jacobs and Steve Smith back on the field.
Defensively, the Eagles will look to do what Jim Johnson does: blitz, blitz and blitz. They'll aim to knock Manning around, hit hard and try to force a turnover ... or four. If they can stick to their gameplan, it could be a long day for the Giants struggling offense.
Dallas Cowboys: 11-1 (1st in NFC East) Detroit Lions: 6-6 (3rd in NFC North)
Last Game(s):
Cowboys 37, Packers 27 Vikings 42, Lions 10
Why We Care: There are some interesting storylines here. First of all, there's the possibility of seeing Jon Kitnadecapitated on live television. OK, not really, but despite what backtrackingTerence Newman has done on his threats to maim Kitna, the Cowboys are most certainly not happy with the God-fearing quarterback. On top of that, Dallas is struggling to remain with the Patriots and Colts in the conversation of the NFL's best (not like beating Detroit will make them any more credible, but whatevs). And the Lions are just hoping to stop the bleeding caused by a tailspin that's done lots of damage to their playoff chances.
St Louis Rams: 3-9 (4th in NFC West) Cincinnati Bengals: 4-8 (t-3rd in AFC North) Last Week:
Rams 28, Falcons 10 Steelers 24, Bengals 10
Why We Care: In a weird way, the Rams are scorching hot. After losing their first 8 games of the season, St. Louis has won three of their last four. Also, this is only the 11th meeting between these two franchises ... with the last Bengals win way back in 1993. Both these teams have had down seasons, but at least one of us thought the Rams could have been in the Super Bowl.
Why We Care: With an easy remaining schedule the Chargers can all but wrap up the AFC West division title with a win, while the Titans desperately need a win to keep up in the wild card race.
To get you ready for week 14, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Indianapolis Colts/Baltimore Ravens preview. 2007 Records: Indianapolis Colts: 10-2 (1st in AFC South) Baltimore Ravens: 4-8 (t-3rd in AFC North) Last Week: Colts 28, Jaguars 25 Patriots 27, Ravens 24 When the Colts have the ball: Unless you've been living in Estonia for the past decade, it's not much of a secret what the Colts are going to do offensively or what the Ravens will do defensively. The Colts are going to spread the defense as wide as they can and then attack the seams. The Ravens are going to attack and take chances that offer great reward and great risk. That's to the Colts advantage in the passing game. Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle haven't been in tip-top shape all season and their other corners are a motley crew that will struggle to keep up with Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. Because Dallas Clark is a favored target for Peyton Manning, Ed Reed won't be able to freelance. That limits the Ravens aggressiveness and gives Manning time to find the right guy. On the ground, though, the Ravens should be able to shoot gaps and control Joseph Addai which could open up the blitz as the game wears on.
Chargers 24, Chiefs 10 Raiders 34, Broncos 20 When the Chiefs have the ball: The Chiefs have decided on Brodie Croyle as their starting quarterback this weekend but they'd be wise to limit his impact on the game. The Broncos made another admission of their incompetence against the run when they released Sam Adams this week and K.C.'s game plan should feature Kolby Smith until the Broncos prove they can stop him. Even though the Broncos will play eight in the box to try and stop the run, Huard shouldn't be looking for too much more than quick slants and outs to Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe. Bad things, sacks and interceptions, happen with way too much frequency for Kansas City to try and open the game up downfield.
To get you ready for week 14, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Cleveland Browns/New York Jets preview. 2007 Records: Cleveland Browns: 7-5 (2nd in AFC North) New York Jets: 3-9 (3rd in AFC East) Last Week: Cardinals 27, Browns 21 Jets 40, Dolphins 13 When the Browns have the ball: Derek Anderson has been the story in Cleveland all season but for the Browns to hold off the Jets they'll need to give Jamal Lewis a heavy dose of action. The Jets pass defense has taken a step in the right direction since the bye. They are pressuring quarterbacks, creating turnovers and watching Darrelle Revis blossom into a good NFL cornerback. Anderson has made some poor decisions of late, four interceptions in his last three games, and sometimes throws balls he shouldn't because he's got such a strong arm. The Jets defense hasn't seen the same level of improvement against the run so it would behoove the Browns to get Lewis established early to control the ball and the clock. If they do it will open things up for Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow and take away some of the Jet aggressiveness.
Why We Care: Both these teams are fighting for their playoff lives. Jacksonville still has the #5 seed in the AFC, but they've been knocked back by that loss to the Colts, and other teams are gaining on them. Carolina is just a game off the pace for the last NFC Wild Card spot and still believes it can win a few games, despite a tough finishing schedule. The fact that this game falls for the Jaguars in between games against the Colts and Steelers means Jack Del Rio has to be extra careful to avoid a classic trap -- especially since the Panthers have earned 4 of their 5 wins on the road.
Chicago Bears: 5-7 (4th in NFC North) Washington Redskins: 5-7 (t-3rd in NFC East) Last Week:
Giants 21, Bears 16 Bills 17, Redskins 16
Why We Care: The NFL world is still fixated on the horror of the Sean Taylor tragedy and what the Redskins have had to endure. This will be the second game in 5 days for Washington, with Taylor's funeral in between. As far as the football side of this goes, both teams are 5-7 and sitting a game behind the final wildcard spot. Both teams lost heartbreaking games last week and are in a thick of eight teams with 5 of 6 wins in the NFC. Mathematically, neither team will be eliminated after tonight's game. Realistically, they won't have much a chance.
To get you ready for Week 14, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is your Minnesota Vikings/San Francisco 49ers preview.
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