Playoff races are heating up around the NFL, and this weeks games will have a big impact on them. Here are previews and predictions for every AFC team this week.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
The 3-9 Browns are coming off a shoot-out loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night. QB Jameis Winston was 3 yards short of 500 yards passing. Unfortunately, he threw three interceptions, with two of those going for touchdowns. He will need to limit his mistakes for the Browns to have any chance in Pittsburgh. The 9-3 Steelers were also in a shootout last week, but they prevailed vs. the Cincinnati Bengals 44-38. The offense stepped up in a rare week in which the Steelers defense struggled. QB Russell Wilson and the passing game has stepped up and should be enough to take care of the Browns.
Score Prediction: Steelers 27- Browns 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Not only did the 2-10 Jaguars lose last week, but they also lost QB Trevor Lawrence for the season after suffering a concussion from a devastating hit. QB Mac Jones returns as the starter, and he did throw for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns in his last start vs. the Houston Texans. He will need to duplicate that performance, as the Jaguars have gotten very little from their running game. The 3-9 Titans were blown out on both sides of the ball. This week should be a bit easier vs. a back up QB and poor overall defense. I think RB Tony Pollard will be the difference as I think he can rush for over 100 yards.’
Score Prediction: Titans 27 – Jaguars 17
Las Vegas Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2-10 Raiders have dropped eight straight, but their offense has shown significant improvement in the passing game. TE Brock Bowers has been dominant, and QB Aiden O’Connell has made some great throws, but the team has just come up short. The 6-6 Buccaneers are coming off an improbably overtime win in Carolina. They tied the game late and forced a fumble in overtime to seal it. The offense has relied on the running back Bucky Irving but will need a better, more consistent passing game out of QB Baker Mayfield to beat a pesky Raider team. I think this is going to be a close game, but I think the Buccaneers should prevail at home.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 26 – Raiders 23
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
The 10-2 Bills have won seven straight and appear to be the best team in the AFC. Led by superstar QB Josh Allen and a formidable defense, they have very few weaknesses. The 6-6 Rams kept themselves in playoff contention with a 21-14 win vs. the New Orleans Saints. Most focus on the passing game led by QB Matt Stafford and receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp but they will need a big game from RB Kyren Williams. If there is any weakness for Buffalo, it is their run defense. Williams will need at least 100 yards on the ground. I think this game will be close, but I have to back the surging Bills.
Score Prediction: Bills 31 – Rams 27
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
The 8-4 Chargers got back on the winning track by winning in Atlanta 17-13. The offense has been slowed a bit in recent weeks and will have a tough matchup in Kansas City. They will need their defense to keep them in it and hope that WR Ladd McConkey can finish the game, as he has been their best-receiving weapon. The 11-1 Chiefs find another way to win. They have a knack for closing out games either with a late great play by QB Patrick Mahomes or by making a big defensive stop. I think they are a tough matchup for the Charger offense, and TE Travis Kelce always has a big game vs. the Chargers.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 24 – Chargers 17
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
The 3-9 Jets squandered a two-touchdown lead to lose at home to the Seattle Seahawks in week 13. They will need to give RB Breece Hall more than 12 carries to attack a below-average Miami run defense and to keep the Dolphin’s offense off the field. The 5-7 Dolphins are coming off a road loss on Thanksgiving in frigid Green Bay. They will be back in sunny Miami, and I expect the offense to get back on track. The Jets are a mess right now, and Miami is desperate to get back into the playoff picture as they will need to win out to have any chance at post-season play.
Score Prediction: Dolphins 24 – Jets 16
Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys
The 4-8 Bengals lost in another high-scoring game. They have four losses in which they have scored at least 33 points. There isn’t much more that QB Joe Burrow can do, as he has been lighting up the scoreboard. A solid defensive effort would go a long way to the team’s success. The 5-7 Cowboys have a two-game winning streak after beating the Giants on Thanksgiving. They will need to win out to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive. They will need QB Cooper Rush to exploit a very bad Bengals pass defense but may have to do so without WR CeeDee Lamb, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. I don’t think the Cowboys have the firepower to stay in this one.
Score Prediction: Bengals 34 – Cowboys 24
