There are now five weeks of the 2021 regular season left to play. In terms of bye weeks, this is the final week teams have them. On the schedule for this week, there are some key games. A few of the most important games will be inter-conference matchups. The key points to each game on the schedule for this week are discussed here.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings
The week starts with two teams who have to win to keep their playoff chances alive. The Vikings will be without Adam Thielen. Expect big games from Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson as they will be needed. For the Steelers, they should move the ball well offensively, led by their talented skill position players. The Vikings’ defense is not good. The Steelers will win this game by one possession.
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Football Team
A big NFC East game here. With a win, Washington would put themselves in a great position to possibly win the division. On both sides of the football, each team is fairly evenly matched which should make for a good back and forth. For Washington, a clean operation from Taylor Heinicke would go a long way. Relying on their running game with their two talented backs will be key. For the Cowboys, big plays from Dak Prescott and all the tremendous skill talent the Cowboys have will be necessary. Ultimately, this game likely goes down to the wire. Washington will win by a field goal.
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Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
A perfect opportunity for the Titans to get right. Ryan Tannehill will simply have to protect the football. The Titans’ defense should have a successful day against the Jaguars’ offense. For the Jaguars to have a chance, James Robinson will have to take control of this game. However, the Titans’ talented defensive front will make that a challenge. Despite the Titans’ injuries offensively, throughout the game, they should manage to score just enough. Expect the Titans to win by at least a touchdown.
Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans
The Seahawks played good football a week ago and should build on that with a second straight win here. Russell Wilson, D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will be too much for the Texans. The Seahawks defense could potentially have one of its better games of the season. Aside from Brandin Cooks, no one else on the Texans’ offense is much of a threat. The Seahawks will win this game by at least 10.
Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have won five straight games as they enter this division matchup. Their winning ways should continue in this one. A good battle could take place between the Raiders offense and Chiefs defense that has done a tremendous job of picking up their play. Big games will be needed from Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, and Hunter Renfrow. For the Chiefs’ offense, they could get things going like they did last time against the Raiders’ defense. Getting a healthy Clyde Edwards-Helaire going would be crucial. The Chiefs will win this one by a score.
New Orleans Saints at New York Jets
The Saints have a good opportunity to get themselves back in the win column. Having Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara for this one would make an obvious difference. The Jets’ defense continues its great struggles. A good back and forth between the Jets offense and Saints defense could happen throughout this game. Zach Wilson had one of his better games a week ago. Having a healthy Elijah Moore for this one will be key for the Jets. On the road, the Saints will win this game by a touchdown.
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
An interesting NFC South matchup in which the losing team is basically eliminated from playoff contention. The Falcons defense is not good but could have a performance good enough to win here. The Panthers’ offense has been a disappointment. Matt Ryan will have to put together a quality performance against a talented Panthers defensive unit. Big games from Cordarrelle Patterson and Russell Gage will be key. The Falcons will win this division game by one possession.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
The Browns enter this one with some things going their way. They had their bye a week ago. The Ravens are coming off a loss and down Marlon Humphrey for the year. Controlling this game with their running game and the offensive line will be crucial for the Browns. Their defense should have a good day against a struggling Ravens offense. For the Ravens to have a chance, Lamar Jackson will have to get things going. The Browns will win this game by a score.
New York Giants at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers picked up a big win a week ago and should get another one here. The Giants have continued to struggle and will likely not have Daniel Jones. For the Chargers, a good performance from Justin Herbert should be enough for them. Defensively, they should have one of their better games of the year. Austin Ekeler should make a difference in this game. The Chargers will win by at least 10.
Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos
After a thrilling win a week ago, the Lions finally got in the win column. For the Broncos, getting this win means everything for their playoff chances. Anticipate a great game from their defense, especially, if D’Andre Swift does not play. For the Broncos offensively, controlling the game with Javonte Williams should be enough for them to win. As long as they limit mistakes they will be in a position to win handily. The Broncos will win this one by at least a touchdown.
San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals
One of the best games of the week. Each team is coming off a disappointing loss and will need this one for their playoff hopes. The health of key players in Joe Burrow and Deebo Samuel will be crucial for their teams in this game. For the 49ers, the running game led by Elijah Mitchell will have to have a good day. The Bengals skill players offensively will have to step up with Burrow’s injury status. This game could be determined in the trenches. The Bengals will win by a field goal.
Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This season has been as disappointing as it gets for the Bills. Another difficult game looms for them here on a short week. The Buccaneers have gotten things going offensively in a big way over the last three weeks. Led by Tom Brady, it should continue for them here. For the Bills offense, gaining multiple big plays will give them their best chance. Their lack of a running game should remain against the Buccaneers’ dominant front. The Buccaneers will win this game by a touchdown.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
An NFC North battle in primetime that the Packers should take care of business in. Offensively, they should have no problem moving the football. Led by Aaron Rodgers, a healthy Aaron Jones along with Davante Adams, a big game should take place. For the Bears, Justin Fields will be good to go. Getting David Montgomery going will be important for the Bears to keep this one close. The Packers will win this game by 10.
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
A fantastic NFC West game to round out Week 14. This game should go down to the wire. If the Cardinals can win, they essentially wrap up the division. For them to do so, a big game will be needed from their talented offense. Led by Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, many points will have to be scored. The Rams’ offense can have a successful outing themselves. It will be important to establish the ground game with Darrell Henderson to control the time of possession. The Cardinals will win this game by a field goal.
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