NFL Tips and Previews, Week 14
Lions vs. Vikings
December 12th
Despite a strong season thus far, Minnesota is looking a little vulnerable, with a few doubts creeping in.
They got over the line against the Jets last week thanks to their defense stepping up when needed, but slow starts from Kirk Cousins will be worrying against a Detroit team playing as well as it has for years.
The Lions have only lost one of their past five games and are looking hot. D’Andre Swift is lethal in the backfield, while Jared Goff is coming into his own in the Quarterback position.
Look for him to hit up Amon-Ra St. Brown early and regularly to lead their charge.
This one has all the makings of a Detroit win, and it’s the Lions’ chance to prove what they are made of.
SUGGESTED BET:
Lions to win at $1.70
49ers vs. Buccaneers
December 12th
They’ve been written off multiple times, but we are into week 14, and Tampa Bay is still sitting atop the NFC South, well and truly in playoff contention.
Tom Brady mounted a vintage Brady comeback performance against New Orleans last week and is back to finding his rhythm, clearly not leaning toward Mike Evans as a receiving option. He faces possibly the most formidable defense in the NFL in the 49ers and won’t have it easy against Nick Bosa and Samson Ebukam.
San Francisco’s concern is with the ball, particularly in the quarterback role with Jimmy Garoppolo out with injury, joining a host of 49ers on the sidelines. It was a big challenge for his replacement Brock Purdy despite a respectable output last week. Still, it’s a different ballgame going into the game as the starting QB, even with the likes of Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk to throw two. Bucs to win this one and cause a massive rethink in the NFC race.
SUGGESTED BET:
Buccaneers win at $2.50
Chargers vs. Dolphins
December 12th
Miami has been one of the most watchable teams this season, thanks mainly to the combination of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill.
After some time out with injury, Tagovailoa has been in good form, but for a bit of a slip-up last week while Hill is building his credentials as the best receiver in the game.
They face a Los Angeles team that has done well to keep up despite some horror luck with injuries, but there are questions about how long they can keep that push going.
Justin Herbert and his receivers seem to have a disconnect, but for some sign of rhythm with the dependable Keenan Allen.
Their defense struggled against the dominant DaVante Adams last week and should have similar issues against Hill and Jaylen Waddle this time. The dolphins to get back on the winner’s board here.
SUGGESTED BET:
Dolphins to win first quarter at $1.70
Cardinals vs. Patriots
December 13th
New England comes into this game with some degree of confidence, having corralled Josh Allen last week. Unfortunately, they needed more than that to get the win, including something resembling consistency in their offense which they have not found with Mac Jones as Quarterback this year.
The Cardinals are a different beast than the Bills, and after a welcome week off, they will be looking to finish the season strong.
James Conner is leading the way with the running game and should have an impact against the Pats here, while Kyler Murray may step up in prime time to deliver the kind of performance that has been sadly missing at times this season.
The Cardinals have been too hit-and-miss this season and may not be up to the task against a determined Patriots outfit.
