The NFL Roundup 2021: Week 14 Preview

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Hello again, football fans and welcome to another edition of the NFL Roundup. One that is once again filled to the brim with anticipation. Simply because, no one has a clue what to expect from this weekend’s slate of games. For this might be another week full of wild upsets or it might be the week where the supposed elite finally put it all together. Either way, it’s the fans that win this week since so many teams are in the hunt and are gunning for a shot in the playoffs and with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the critical, playoff related games on tap this weekend, and all the juicy storylines that are hanging over Week 14 in the NFL.
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Can the Broncos actually beat the Lions?
In any other year, this would be a question that no one in the city of Denver would ask. But in 2021, the Broncos are an outright mess and struggle to compete at times, thanks to garbage play calling and poor coaching and because of that… one does have to wonder if Detroit could pull off a shocking upset in Denver this weekend and honestly, there’s a chance they will. Because the Broncos just can’t get it together and if the same shell-shocked and nervous team that took on the Chiefs shows up on Sunday, they’ll hand the Lions a win and if they do… that might finally seal Vic Fangio’s fate in Denver and give George Paton a legitimate reason to start the coaching search early this year, and it will be quite interesting to see how this game plays out.
 
Will the Vikings recover from their devastating loss to Detroit?
Ironically, our second storyline of the day… also revolves around the Lions, specifically the team that handed them their first win of the year, the Minnesota Vikings. Because they were awful against Detroit and should have won that game, but instead… they’re on the ropes, playoff wise, and desperate for a win and that leaves all of us wondering if they can beat the Steelers and keep hope alive and honestly, I don’t know if they can. Because they simply cannot get out of their own way and make awful mistakes at the wrong time and that’s something a team cannot do against the Pittsburgh defense. So, don’t be shocked if Minnesota falls to Big Ben and the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight, because they’re just not good enough, and if you don’t believe me… never forget they lost to the Lions. The. Lions.
 
Will Aaron Rodgers boisterous words come back to haunt him?
If there is one thing that NFL coaches will make clear to their players, it is to never say or do anything that will outright inspire their opponent to beat them. Because time and time again, we’ve seen a little smack talking backfire and a few weeks ago, Aaron Rodgers said something that could be seen as fuel for a vengeful fire. Since the Bears would love to ‘own’ Rodgers instead on Sunday. But honestly, I don’t think they will. They’re a mess at quarterback, Matt Nagy is losing control of this team and that defense is ho-hum at best. So, if anything, I expect Aaron Rodgers to continue to own the Chicago Bears once again on their way to a 10-3 record.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Baltimore Ravens (8-4) at Cleveland Browns (6-6)
First Energy Stadium – Cleveland, Ohio
Sunday, December 12, 2021 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​This is a game of note, simply because of the quarterbacks involved. Because this one, features a pair of quarterbacks that are desperate to be elite and haven’t achieved that particular status. For Baker Mayfield appears to have regressed a bit in his fourth year and hasn’t been making the big plays that he did last year, and as for Lamar Jackson… well, there is still a lot of doubt as to whether or not he is an effective quarterback. Because he misses easy throws and struggles with simple routes and the best way for both men to put those thoughts to rest, is to come out and ball in this game. So, expect some big passes and some bold choices to take place in this game as both QBs do their best to regain their flailing confidence.

Buffalo Bills (7-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3)
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa Bay, Florida
Sunday, December 12, 2021 – 4:25 p.m. EST – CBS

It is definitely safe to say, that the Buffalo Bills have turned out to be quite a disappointment this year. Because a team that was feared in 2020, is back to its mediocre and goofy ways and while they are 7-5, they’re in danger of not making the playoffs if they cannot regain their swagger, and they have a chance to do that in Tampa Bay on Sunday. Because everyone knows how to beat Tom Brady and the TB defense is struggling to stop teams right now. So, if the Bills can put that age-old anti-Brady plan in motion and put up some points, they can clear their heads of doubt and get ready for a heck of a playoff run. But don’t be surprised if the opposite happens, because Tampa Bay is 9-3 for a reason and they’re eager to repeat as champions, and they might not take kindly to a team trying to push them around in their own house.

Los Angeles Rams (8-4) at Arizona Cardinals (10-2)
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
8:15 p.m. EST – ESPN

​Every team out there knows that the quickest way to the playoffs is to win their division and that is why divisional games this late in the season are as epic as they come and this one should meet that expectation as well. Since the Cardinals and the Rams are vying for complete and utter control of the NFC West. Which means that everyone involved in this matchup is going to bring their best to the field and well, since both teams want this win so bad, there is a chance we might be treated to a shootout as well, which is never a bad thing. But while this game will be a lot of fun to watch, make no mistake about it…. someone has to win this game and my guess is that the Cardinals will end up the victor here. Because they are the better team, and they clearly want it more.