NFL WEEK 14 PRIMER
Texans (4-8) at Bears (5-7)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Texans by 7
Texans’ keys: With the loss of Will Fuller V (suspension), the Texans need Brandin Cooks and
Keke Coutee, to step up. Bears’ keys: OLB Khalil Mack and DT Akiem Hicks getting the pass rush going, and Bears RB David Montgomery might get an opportunity to break off a long run against a poor run defense.
– Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
Chiefs (11-1) at Dolphins (8-4)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Chiefs by 7
Chiefs’ keys: If QB Patrick Mahomes can drop a few long passes, it will force Miami to loosen up its tight alignments.
Dolphins’ keys: Find a rhythm by feeding TE Mike Gesicki and embracing some nohuddle components. Defensively, the Dolphins must continue their 18-game streak of forcing a turnover.
– Kyle Crabbs, Dolphins Wire
Cowboys (3-9) at Bengals (2-9-1)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Off the board Cowboys’ keys: With Andy Dalton under center, an effective running game with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard will set up the former Bengals quarterback nicely.
Bengals’ keys: With running back Joe Mixon still out, prioritize the running game with RB Giovani Bernard.
– Chris Roling, Bengals Wire
Vikings (6-6) at Buccaneers (7-5)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Buccaneers by 6 1⁄ 1⁄
22 Buccaneers’ keys: A steady dose of RB Ronald Jones II and consistent protection that gives QB Tom Brady a clean pocket. Vikings’ keys: RB Dalvin Cook might have some tough sledding against Tampa Bay, but the Vikings should at least try to feed their best player the ball as much as possible.
– Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire
Cardinals (6-6) at Giants (5-7)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Cardinals by 2 1⁄
2 Cardinals’ keys: QB Kyler Murray, RB Kenyan Drake and RB Chase Edmonds should take advantage along the edges, where the Giants are down four linebackers.
Giants’ keys: New York should grind the clock with RB Wayne Gallman Jr. and occasionally take shots over the top.
– Dan Benton, Giants Wire
Titans (8-4) at Jaguars (1-11)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Titans by 7
Titans’ keys: With Jacksonville QB Mike Glennon's lack of mobility, the Titans need a solid day from defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.
Jaguars’ keys: Stacking the box against Tennessee running back Derrick Henry slowed him (84 yards, no touchdowns) in their Week 2 game.
– James Johnson, Jags Wire
Broncos (4-8) at Panthers (4-8)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Off the board Broncos’ keys: More consistency from QB Drew Lock, who needs to cut down on the interceptions. His best receiver is the Broncos' 2020 first-round draft pick, WR Jerry Jeudy, who leads the team in targets. Panthers’ keys: QB Teddy Bridgewater has to be more aggressive, looking for deep routes.
– Tim Weaver, Panthers Wire
Jets (0-12) at Seahawks (8-4)
TV: 4:05 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Seahawks by 13 1⁄
2 Jets’ keys: Their eyes on the field and on the sideline will be on S Jamal Adams (7 1⁄ sacks), whom
2
Seattle traded for after months of tension between the Jets and the All-pro. Seahawks’ keys: Continue to lean on RB Chris Carson, who is getting a heftier workload now that he's been eased back after a foot injury.
– Liz Mathews, Seahawks Wire
Colts (8-4) at Raiders (7-5)
TV: 4:05 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Colts by 2 1⁄
2
Colts’ keys: They'll want to establish the run, protect the ball and win in the red zone. Expect the dominant defense to rush four.
Raiders’ keys: Slow down Indianapolis' rushing attack. On offense, lean on TE Darren Waller and WR Nelson Agholor to carry the passing attack.
– Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire
Packers (9-3) at Lions (5-7)
TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Packers by 7 1⁄
2 Packers’ keys: With QB Aaron Rodgers' accuracy plus a top-10 running game led by Aaron Jones, they have improved their third- and fourth-down conversion rates.
Lions’ keys: A return of RB D'andre Swift and/or WR Kenny Golladay would be a massive boost.
– Erik Schlitt, Lions Wire
Saints (10-2) at Eagles (3-8-1)
TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Saints by 7
Saints’ keys: They will need to attack an aggressive front seven with run-pass option principles and QB Taysom Hill running the zone read.
Eagles’ keys: In his first start, rookie QB Jalen Hurts must take advantage of the aggressive Saints and make the throws that are needed.
– Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
Washington (5-7) vs. 49ers (5-7)
TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Off the board Washington’s keys: Defensive linemen Montez Sweat, Chase Young, Tim Settle, Ryan Kerrigan and Jonathan Allen having monster games against an O-line that has struggled.
49ers’ keys: Execute a game plan that involves jet motion from WR Deebo Samuel to get Washington's front seven's eyes moving.
– Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
Falcons (4-8) at Chargers (3-9)
TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Falcons by 2 1⁄
2 Falcons’ keys: Take advantage of a weak Chargers run defense by pounding the rock with RBS Todd Gurley and Ito Smith.
Chargers’ keys: Max protect rookie QB Justin Herbert to buy him time, as he'll be facing one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
– Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
Steelers (11-1) at Bills (9-3)
TV: 8:20 ET Sunday, NBC
Betmgm.com line: Off the board Steelers’ keys: Whether it's running back James Conner or Benny Snell Jr., keeping the ball on the ground should put points on the board. Buffalo has struggled against the run. Bills keys: They can't be shy to use QB Josh Allen's arm to get the ball to WRS Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley.
– Nick Wojton, Bills Wire
Ravens (7-5) at Browns (9-3)
TV: 8:15 ET Monday, ESPN
Betmgm.com line: Off the board Ravens’ keys: Pressure Browns QB Baker Mayfield into early mistakes and capitalize on the giveaways.
Browns’ keys: They are not built to play from behind so the offense needs some early success. TE Austin Hooper and RB Kareem Hunt can be effective in intermediate passing range.
– Jeff Risdon, Browns Wire