Week 14 AFC North Preview and Predictions
By Mel Payne
Dec 2, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Cam Thomas (93) looks across the line at Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns
Cleveland welcomes back Brady Quinn and Peyton Hillis on Sunday, who have found a new home with Kansas City. The two players will want to show the Browns just why they shouldn’t have sent them packing when the Chiefs come to town.
The Browns have won their two showings, though, and are looking good in the process. Last week, Cleveland’s offense got 475 yards of total offense, led by rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden who put up 364 yards through the air and a touchdown.
Final Score: Browns 23, Kansas City 10
San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben returns this week to face-off against a struggling Chargers team on his own turf. San Diego has not beaten a winning team this season, has dropped their previous four games, and has never won in Pittsburgh. The deck seems to be stacked against them before they even step foot on Heinz Field.
Pittsburgh has been plagued with injuries and has now lost Ike Taylor. They do have some players back, but they may be rusty coming out to start to the game, especially Roethlisberger. I am going to call a close one for Pittsburgh. The team is still gritty enough to get it done with playoff hopes on the line.
Final Score: Steelers 17, Chargers 13
Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins
This game is going to be a good one; the gritty play of Baltimore against the glitzy play of Washington. Baltimore has lost Ray Lewis to injury and, though Suggs may play, many are suggesting that his torn bicep may get the best of him. Not to mention, the Ravens lost last week in a game that they should have won easily.
On the contrary, the Redskins rolled over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, sweeping them for the season. They appear to be getting hot and have everything to lose if they can’t get the win today.
Final Score: Redskins 21, Ravens 13
Dallas Cowboys at Cincinnati Bengals
Let’s face it, neither one of these teams can afford to slow down now. Both must win. However, only one will be able to survive the duel and keep their hopes alive.
Dallas will be playing with heavy hearts, losing a player to a tragic accident and then another player to the system due to the same incident. That may give them the spark they need. Somehow, I think it is going to hamper the Cowboys, though.
The Bengals are getting healthy again and are welcoming back their starting center, Kyle Cook. The team has been great on the ground in their last three matchups and is coming in on a four game high. I am giving this one to the orange and black.
Final Score: Bengals 28, Cowboys 21