New England Patriots (6-6) at Los Angeles Rams (8-4)
The Patriots are suddenly back in playoff contention after 4 wins in their last 5 outings, including a 45-0 thrashing of the Chargers at this very venue last week. While Cam Newton isn't a force in the passing game, the Patriots are really running the ball with great success behind Damien Harris. Their defence has also stepped up and completing a shutout in any NFL game is a great achievement. So they'll be very confident of an upset this Friday.
The Rams rebounded nicely from a shock loss to the 49ers with a comfortable 38-28 road win over the Cardinals. After the Seahawks defeat, the Rams are now equal first in the division and they shouldn't have any problems reaching the playoffs. The key against the Pats will be establishing the run early and giving Goff plenty of time to find the likes of Woods and Kupp.
In a rematch of the Patriots 13-3 Super Bowl victory a few seasons ago, there's definitely a revenge factor for Los Angeles in this Friday's matchup. However, the Patriots defence is coming off a shutout and will likely employ the same gameplan that kept the Rams to just a field goal in that SB victory. So we wouldn't look past the Patriots at the line as they've also covered in 5 of their last 6 against the Rams.
Stadium Record
Los Angeles are 4-1 at this venue. New England earned their first victory at this venue last week (45-0 over Chargers).
Head to Head Record
New England is 6-0 against the Rams, which includes 2 SB victories.
Best Bet
Indianapolis Colts (8-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (7-5)
After a tough 45-26 loss to the Titans, the Colts got back on track with a 26-20 win over the Texans last week. They're now in a tie with the Titans for the division so the next 4 games are ultra important. The pleasing sign in last week's win was the connection between Hilton and Rivers, which has been a struggle this year. So with a solid running game and Rivers playing mistake free football, the Colts can certainly give the AFC a shake.
Meanwhile, the Raiders needed a last minute drive to get past the winless Jets in the 31-28 result, which is very concerning. However, it was great to see Darren Waller carve up a defence with his 2 TD catches and Derek Carr had one of his best outings this season. The concern for the Raiders is an injury to key RB Josh Jacobs, who's likely out this week as well. So the pressure will be on Carr to beat the Colts in the air.
This should be a really close game between two fairly even teams. The Colts are the better defensive team but we can see Carr having success against them in the passing game. Ultimately, we do like the Over considering the Raiders last 5 games have been high scoring and both sides score around 27 points per game.
Stadium Record
Raiders are 2-3 in Las Vegas. The Colts are yet to play here.
Head to Head Record
Raiders are 10-8 against the Colts in all-time meetings.
Best Bet
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1) at Buffalo Bills (9-3)
The Steelers undefeated season is officially over after a shock loss to the Washington Redskins last Tuesday. Pittsburgh had real trouble running the ball with just 21 yards on 14 carries and Roethlisberger tossed a key interception in the 4th quarter as they tried to mount a late comeback. However, with an 11-1 record the Steelers still control their destiny in the AFC North.
For the first time since 1999, the Bills won on a Tuesday as they beat the 49ers 34-24 in Arizona. Bills QB Josh Allen was excellent with 4 touchdown passes and he continually found his combination with the likes of Beasley and Diggs. They were also good defensively with 2 interceptions in the 2nd half. With 5 wins in their last 6, this should be a good challenge against Pittsburgh.
This could be a potential playoff preview as both sides get ready for a playoff push in January and we like the chances of a fairly low scoring game. The Steelers own one of the best defensive records in the NFL and that should help stop Josh Allen. Meanwhile, the Steelers are struggling to run the ball so the Bills should be able to contain Big Ben in the passing game. Under is also 4-1 in this matchup.
Stadium Record
The Bills are 5-1 at home this season. Pittsburgh are 2-0 at this venue since 2010.
Head to Head Record
Buffalo won the last meeting in 2019, 17-10. But the Steelers have won 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Other NFL Week 14 Tips
| Game | Best Bet |
|---|---|
| Cardinals at Giants | Under 45 $1.91 |
| Texans at Bears | Texans -1 $1.89 |
| Vikings at Buccaneers | Over 51.5 $1.89 |
| Chiefs at Dolphins | Dolphins +7 $1.96 |
| Titans at Jaguars | Over 52.5 $1.87 |
| Broncos at Panthers | Under 46.5 $1.89 |
| Jets at Seahawks | Under 45.5 $2.02 |
| Falcons at Chargers | Falcons -2.5 $1.87 |
| Washington at 49ers | Under 43.5 $1.91 |
| Packers at Lions | Lions +7.5 $1.92 |
| Saints at Eagles | Under 44.5 $1.91 |
