WEEK 14 NFL RECAP

After a couple of rough weeks where I was victimized by last second heroics while going one game under .500, I was able to return to form with one of my best weeks this season. Those same types of finishes worked to my advantage this week.

This Week:               12 - 4

Overall:                144 - 81 - 1

Houston (2 -10) 27 @ Jacksonville (3 - 9) 20:  Right score, wrong teams.  Tough season for Gary Kubiak, as he was fired following this loss. In a very classy act, however, he took out an ad in the Houston paper thanking the fans and the Texans organization for their support during his tenure. No. 20 - 27.

Indianapolis (8 - 4) 21 @ Cincinnati (8 - 4) 24: The Bengals appear to be for real, while the Colts will probably win their division, but better start playing at a higher lever if they have any hopes of advancing in the playoffs.  Correct. 28 - 42.

Atlanta (3 - 9) 20 @ Green Bay (5 - 6 - 1) 23 : This was one of many wild finishes in bad weather, but the Pack stayed alive in the NFC North, especially with a loss by the Lions in Philadelphia. They'll probably  need to get QB  Aaron Rodgers back, though, if they want to contend.  Correct. 21 - 22.

Cleveland (4 - 8) 17 @ New England (9 - 3) 28: Another stunning comeback for QB Tom Brady and the Patriots. This one looked like it would go to the Browns, but the future Hall of Famer had other ideas, keeping his team in the running for top seed in the AFC.  Correct.  26 - 27.

Oakland (4 - 8) 19 @ New York Jets (5 - 7) 20: Geno Smith showed up big-time on Sunday, leading the Jets to victory and keeping New York alive for the last playoff spot in the AFC. Correct. 27 - 37.

Detroit (7 - 5) 24 @ Philadelphia (7 - 5) 31: I can't remember watching a game that looked more like an event in the Winter Olympics.  The snow was piling up, and so was the yardage for the Eagles' LeSean McCoy as they remained in the lead in the NFC East. Correct.  20 - 34.

Miami (6 - 6) 21 @ Pittsburgh (5 - 7) 27: This game was within a couple of inches from going the Steelers' way. Instead, Miami is still alive for the final playoff spot in the AFC and the Steelers are all but eliminated.  No. 34 - 28.

Buffalo (4 - 8) 20 @ Tampa Bay (3 - 9) 28:  The Bucs have made a great recovery this season, probably saving the job of coach Greg Schiano. Correct. 6 - 27.

Kansas City (9 - 3) 23 @ Washington (3 - 9) 20: The 'Skins looked like a team that has been eliminated from the playoffs and doesn't like playing in the snow. Now coach Mike Shanahan says he's considering starting backup QB Kirk Cousins in place of RGIII. Really?  Correct. 45 - 10.

Minnesota (3 - 9) 17 @ Baltimore (6 - 6) 21: This was an unbelievable finish, with a great catch by Marion Brown with four seconds left giving the Ravens the win and a leg up in the race for the final AFC playoff spot. Correct. 26 - 29.

Tennessee (5 - 7) 24 @ Denver (10 - 2) 34: So the temperature's 18 at kickoff, so it makes sense to figure the Broncos' offense is in for a long day, right? Uh, wrong. QB Peyton Manning looked like he was back in a dome, taking apart his old rivals from the AFC South. Correct. 28 - 51.

St. Louis (5 - 7) 24 @ Arizona (7 - 5) 27: This one wasn't nearly as close as I thought it would be, but at least the Cardinals prevailed. San Francisco's in over Seattle makes it a bit more difficult for Arizona to advance to the playoffs, especially given that they need to go to Seattle in week 16 and host San Francisco to end the season.  Correct. 10 - 30.

New York Giants (5 - 7) 27 @ San Diego Chargers (5 - 7) 24: I really whiffed on this one, but with the inconsistency of both of these teams, it's not really much of a surprise.  No.  14 - 37.

Seattle (11 - 1) 30 @ San Francisco (8 - 4) 27: The 'Niners played a terrific game to take out the Seahawks.  Seattle has clinched a playoff berth but still needs another win or two to wrap up the division.  It's not over yet for the rest of the NFC, but if Seattle gets home field advantage then it might be. No. 17 - 19.

Carolina (9 - 3) 27 @ New Orleans (9 - 3) 30: The Saints returned to home building form against the Panthers. The two New Orleans' scores at the end of the second quarter sealed Carolina's fate. Correct. 13 - 31.

Dallas (7 - 5) 23 @ Chicago (6 - 6) 24: Once again, the Cowboys fell flat when they had a chance to keep pace with Philadelphia. Even though the offense shredded the Bears' defense on the ground, the Dallas defense couldn't stop the Bears, not exactly an offensive juggernaut.  Arguably highest profile franchise just can't seem to get it going, despite a large and loyal fan base, deep pockets and the ability to attract the best coaches and free agents.  It has to be time for change in Big D. Correct.  28 - 45.