For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, the situation is clear and obvious. They are tied at 6-6 atop the NFC South, their bye weeks have passed, they don't play each other again and they each have five games remaining. The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers don't appear to be in position to fight for the division title (never say never), so it looks very much like a five-week sprint to the finish line. The Falcons do have a little bit shorter of a path to run given the tiebreaker they hold from a head-to-head sweep of the Buccaneers. Essentially, the Bucs need to win one more game over the next five weeks than the Falcons do in order to nab their fourth straight NFC South title.
There are six teams on a bye this week, however, which has thinned at the schedule a bit after every team was in play last week. That's okay; now we have more time to concentrate on the games that matter most to the Buccaneers. And frankly, it's not a very complicated week. As a Bucs fan, you're rooting interest will be obvious in most of these contests. But let's go through the exercise anyway just to make sure we are thinking of the Buccaneers' long-term interests in Week 14.
As we have noted the past two weeks, the Bucs actually have two realistic paths to a fifth straight playoff berth. Obviously, winning the division and getting a first-round game at home is the preferred one. But the third Wild Card berth is still very much in play, and the Bucs could be within one game of the Washington Commanders for that spot by the end of the weekend.
So keep those twin goals in mind as you peruse this week's NFL slate. Below are my suggestions for which teams besides the Buccaneers to root for from Thursday night through the Monday game in Dallas, with the games presented in chronological order. This is your 2024 Week 14 Viewing Guide.
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Green Bay Packers (9-3) at Detroit Lions (11-1), Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
We have on several occasions in recent weeks sided with the Packers, but there's no need to do it again this time around. Even the most optimistic minds know that the Buccaneers aren't going to get all the way to the top of the NFC standings, so we might as well just keep rooting for the Lions to stay clear of the pack (and the Pack) for that honor. It is at least possible, if not necessarily likely, that the Bucs could get in as Wild Card team and move up higher than the seventh seed. That would likely only happen with a Packers collapse over the next five weeks. Even if it's a longshot, it's the only reason to choose sides in this one.
Verdict: Go Fighting Dan Campbells!
New York Jets (3-9) at Miami Dolphins (5-7), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Cleveland Browns (3-9) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) at Tennessee Titans (3-9), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
If you're a regular reader of this feature, you know what I'm going to write here. These three games are all-AFC matchups, which means they will have little to do with the Bucs' playoff hunt. That's even more true since Tampa Bay hasn't and won't play any of these six teams, which means the results won't affect its strength of victory (SOV) and strength of schedule (SOS) tiebreaker numbers. It doesn't help that five of the six are also under .500 and not really in the AFC playoff picture. I guess Browns-Steelers could be entertaining if Jameis Winston throws for another 500 yards and two pick-sixes. Personally, I find the Steelers to be one of the more interesting teams in the AFC playoff hunt and would like to see them keep winning.
Verdict: Go Fighting Mike Tomlins!
Atlanta Falcons (6-6) at Minnesota Vikings (10-2), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
You probably skipped this one. You're probably not reading this right now. You don't need me to tell you to root against the Falcons. I could write anything here. You know what's a good show on Apple TV right now? Silo. The books were good, too, by a guy named Hugh Howey, which is kind of a funny name. Anyway, if you are reading this, we want the Falcons to lose every game the rest of the way, starting here. The Vikings are currently holding the top Wild Card spot and are just a game behind the Lions in the East. Even if you want the Lions' feel-good story to continue with a division title and first-round bye, you can root for Minnesota in this one for selfish reasons.
Verdict: Go Vikings!
New Orleans Saints (4-8) at New York Giants (2-10), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
The Saints are two games behind the Bucs and Falcons and have eight of their last 10. I'm not saying they're cooked (I believe in jinxes and reverse-jinxes) but I would like them to be. If the Bucs are worrying about the Saints in the last few weeks of the season, they will have bigger problems on their hands. The Giants are out of it, so let's get Drew Lock a win. He seems like a likable guy.
Verdict: Lock it down, Drew!
Carolina Panthers (3-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-2), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
This one isn't particularly critical to Tampa Bay's interests. The Bucs have beaten both teams so their SOV and SOS numbers will be the same no matter which one wins. The Bucs are almost certainly not going to catch the Eagles in the overall standings and the Panthers are unlikely to catch the Bucs, though the two teams do have one head-to-head game remaining. For that reason, let's root for the Eagles so the Panthers aren't feeling more confident when they come to Tampa in Week 17.
Verdict: Fly, Eagles Fly! (Why is there a comma after Fly but not after Eagles in the name of this song?)
View images of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' matchups throughout the years vs. the Las Vegas Raiders
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 celebrates touchdown pass to Wide receiver Keenan McCardell #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Linebacker Nate Webster #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles Tight end Doug Jolley #88 of the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Linebacker Derrick Brooks #55 and Linebacker Shelton Quarles #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the post game celebration against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the post game celebration against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the post game celebration against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Safety Dexter Jackson #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy during the post game celebration against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Jim Enos/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Fullback Mike Alstott #40 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy during the post game celebration against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Jim Enos/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Running back Michael Pittman #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Rod Millington/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Rod Millington/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Linebacker Nate Webster #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to tackle Tight end Doug Jolley #88 of the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Rod Millington/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Rod Millington/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Safety Jermaine Phillips #23 and Cornerback Dwight Smith #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the post game celebration against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Rod Millington/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Linebacker Justin Smith #59 and Defensive end Corey Smith #98 and Linebacker Ryan Nece #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the post game celebration with the Tampa Tribune Newspaper against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 and Safety John Lynch #47 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the post game celebration with the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 26: Safety John Lynch #47 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the post game celebration with the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy against the Oakland Raiders during the Super Bowl XXXVII at Qualcomm Stadium on January 26, 2003 in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 48-21. (Tom Wagner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kicker Martin Gramatica #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicks against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scrambles against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Charles Sonnenblick/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Michael Clayton #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Eric Larson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets set against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Eric Larson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Bill Schroeder #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a reception against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Eric Larson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Brad Johnson #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tight end Ken Dilger #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs after a catch against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on September 26, 2004 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-30. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Safety Sabby Piscitelli #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes an interception against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24 . (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Running back Carnell Williams #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Running back Warrick Dunn #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver Antonio Bryant #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Offensive tackle Jeremy Trueblood #65 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Offensive tackle Jeremy Trueblood #65 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Tight end John Gilmore #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a pass against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24. (photo by Matt Marriott/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Running back Carnell Williams #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a td against the Oakland Raiders at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-24. (photo by Matt Marriott/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Cornerback E.J. Biggers #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 4, 2012, in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers won 42-32. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5, Center Ted Larsen #62 and Fullback/Tight End Erik Lorig #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 4, 2012, in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers won 42-32. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Wide Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 4, 2012, in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers won 42-32. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Safety Ahmad Black #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recovers an onside kick during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 4, 2012, in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers won 42-32. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Defensive End Daniel Te'o-Nesheim #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pressures Carson Palmer during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 4, 2012, in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers won 42-32. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 4: Running Back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes during the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 4, 2012, in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers won 42-32. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Running Back Ronald Jones II #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Outside Linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers 45-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Center Ryan Jensen #66 and Guard Ali Marpet #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 25, 2020 - Tight End Rob Gronkowski #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 45-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 18: Linebacker Richard Wood #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in action against the Oakland Raiders at Alameda County Coliseum on October 18, 1981 in Oakland, California. The Buccaneers lost 16-18. (photo by Allen's Studio/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 19: Safety Marty Carter #23 and teammates of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle against the Los Angeles Raiders at Los Angeles Coliseum on December 19, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-27. (photo by Allen Dean Steele/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 19: Offensive guard/tightend Charles McRae #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks against the Los Angeles Raiders at Los Angeles Coliseum on December 19, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. The Buccaneers lost 20-27. (photo by Allen Dean Steele/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Running Back Errict Rhett #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets tackled against the Oakland Raiders at Houlihan's Stadium on November 10, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17(OT). (photo by Marty Marrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Defensive Tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders at Houlihan's Stadium on November 10, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17(OT). (photo by Marty Marrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Trent Dilfer #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Oakland Raiders at Houlihan's Stadium on November 10, 1996 in Tampa, FL.The Buccaneers won 20-17(OT). (photo by Marty Morrow/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Offensive Tackle Jason Odom #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks against the Oakland Raiders at Houlihan's Stadium on November 10, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17(OT). (photo by Marty Marrow/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Trent Dilfer #12 and offensive line of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets set against the Oakland Raiders at Houlihan's Stadium on November 10, 1996 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 20-17 (OT). (photo by Unknown/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Seattle Seahawks (7-5) at Arizona Cardinals (6-6), Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
This is by far the trickiest game in this week's schedule when it comes to knowing what is best for the Buccaneers. You could root for the Cardinals in order to bring the Seahawks back down to the pack, which could help Tampa Bay in the Wild Card race in the long run. Or you could root for the Seahawks, who are in first place in the muddled NFC West, to just keep winning and take that division title while the Cardinals, who are currently tied with the Bucs, take a hit. Thinking long term, if the Buccaneers and Seahawks both win their divisions, then there would be a seeding issue so you would want Seattle to lose. The thing is, Seattle has a significantly tougher remaining schedule after this week than Arizona does, beginning with game against the Packers and Giants. I think we're safe to root for the Seahawks here in order to wound the Cardinals, and then try to catch Seattle in the overall standings over the last month.
Verdict: We're with you, 12th Man!
Buffalo Bills (10-2) at Los Angeles Rams (6-6), Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Outside of Tampa Bay's own game against the Raiders and the Monday night contest, this is the only other interconference game on the schedule in Week 14. As such, it's one of the easier ones to pick. The Rams are also tied with the Bucs and Cardinals for the eighth spot in the conference standings, one out of the playoff field, and they have been frisky in the second half of the season. This is a golden opportunity to get them a loss down the stretch against a Bills team that looks capable of beating anybody.
Verdict: Go Bills!
Chicago Bears (4-8) at San Francisco 49ers (5-7), Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
The 49ers are stumbling to the finish, losing three straight and suffering one key injury after another. Now Christian McCaffrey is out. It's not nice to hit a man when he's down, but let's go ahead and hit this man when he's down. We can ask for forgiveness later. The Bears are nominally still in the playoff race too, but they are a game farther back and probably less likely to suddenly get hot. That still seems like a possibility for Kyle Shanahan's team, even with all the injuries. We'll feel a lot more comfortable when and if the 49ers are a couple games farther back.
Verdict: Go Bears!
Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
Wow, this one looks fun. The Chiefs turn every game into a coin flip at the end but I think they must be using a two-headed coin. The Chargers have Justin Herbert playing extremely well and a defense that is allowing the fewest points in the league. (As I've mentioned before, they also have the best uniforms in the NFL, which matters to me but maybe not to you.) The Chiefs have already clinched a playoff spot and the Chargers look like a good bet to claim a Wild Card berth, but it's not a sure thing yet. After playing the Raiders, the Buccaneers will head to the West Coast to take on the Chargers in Week 15. Personally, I would not want L.A. to be a little more desperate because of a loss to Kansas City. Let's root for the Chargers this week to somehow find a way to counter the Chiefs' end-game magic.
Verdict: Go Bolts!
Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) at Dallas Cowboys (5-7), Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
Don't look now, but the Cowboys aren't out of this thing. After a convincing win over the Giants in Week 13 they are just a game behind the Bucs, Cardinals and Rams. Frankly, that's annoying. And their next two games are against four and three-win teams, with a trip to Carolina coming in Week 15. There's no reason to root for the Cowboys against Cincinnati, and almost every week I could have ended that sentence after the word "Cowboys." The may be America's Team but America's pastime is rooting against them. Indulge yourself on Monday night.
Verdict: Go Bengals!
