The NFL Roundup 2022: Week 14 Preview

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It really is quite amazing to know, that only a handful of weeks remain in the NFL regular season. For it feels like yesterday that the season was getting underway, and hope was present for every team’s fanbase in the league. But alas, this is it, the home stretch is upon us and that means we are in for a weekend of critical games. Some that will inform some teams what their future plans need to look like in the off season, while others will come to discover what they are made of as the mad dash toward the playoffs, continues. With that in mind, let’s dive right in and explore what the less fortunate teams and the juggernauts are hoping for as Week 14 in the NFL gets underway.
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Will Cleveland get a better performance out of their ridiculous investment in Watson this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, Deshaun Watson’s return to the NFL was a joke. Because not only did he remind us of what a poor decision it was to trade for him since fans made it clear what they think of the NFL’s decision to let him play with so many accusations hanging over his head, but his on the field performance stunk too. The result of being away from football for years on end. So, will he improve this weekend? Eh, it’s 50/50. Because two years removed, combined with external pressures mentally, whilst facing a resurgent Bengals squad is a recipe for disaster and if that’s the case, oh well. For the Browns need to reap what they have sown, and Watson needs to be humbled.
 
Can Pittsburgh pull off an epic upset against the Ravens?
On paper, the Ravens appear to be ready to conquer the Steelers on Sunday. But in reality, that might not be the case. Because their star QB is injured and might not play, and the lowly Broncos informed everyone that this team is beatable if you offer up the right kind of defensive structure against them. One that involves some heavy blitzing and press coverage and that is something that Pittsburgh can do with their dynamic defense. The only question is if they can keep their offense in gear since it can be suspect at times. But if they can put up some points and if that defense can hold, then a massive upset might be in the cards.
 
Can the Bucs beat the Niners?
One would think that being down to your third string quarterback, would be a death sentence for your season. But the Niners continue to defy the odds regarding that. Because Brock ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ Purdy was dynamic under center on Sunday, and he is facing a Tampa Bay defense that actually… he might be able to beat. For they are beat up and suffering through injuries and Brock has nothing to lose by going out and balling. So don’t be shocked if come Sunday, the Niners manhandle Tom Brady and his boys. Because their defense is solid, and they keep rolling on offense, despite their injury woes at the most important position in the game. 

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

New York Jets (7-5) at Buffalo Bills (9-3)
Highmark Stadium – Orchard Park, New York
Sunday, December 11, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​Normally, I would expect the Bills to run roughshod over the Jets on their way to an AFC East title. But uh… the Bills are struggling right now. Because their defense is so bad at the moment that it would struggle to stop a tortoise on its way to the end zone and Josh Allen isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard either. Not to mention, the Jets beat the Bills last time they met this season, giving them confidence and a chip on their shoulder. So, this game is of note because it might be an upset game, one that will rattle the power structure of the AFC East if the Jets pull this one off, and they truly might. Because Buffalo just isn’t quite as good as advertised.

Philadelphia Eagles (11-1) at New York Giants (7-4-1)
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
Sunday, December 11, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. EST – FOX

​This is another game that might surprise fans expecting an easy win for the Philadelphia Eagles. Because the Giants have proven themselves to be a scrappy team this year. One that doesn’t go quietly into the night and will quite literally hang with their opponent until the clock hits zero, and that’s something that the Eagles haven’t faced often enough this season. So, there’s a chance that this one could be a knockdown, drag it out brawl. One that might end in an upset, or a close score, and that’s never a bad thing. Since the fans will benefit greatly from a good ol’ fashioned NFC East Battle Royale, one that in the end, I think, the Eagles will win. Just because they really are eager to lock up the NFC East and they seem to have learned their lesson regarding underestimating their opponent.

Sunday Night Football
Miami Dolphins (8-4) at Los Angeles Chargers (6-6)
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​This is another matchup that appears to be lopsided in nature since the Dolphins are 8-4. But that 8-4 record isn’t quite as solid as one might hope. Since the Miami defense has struggled often this season to close out games and it really has fallen upon Tua to make magic happen on the field. And they are in fact, facing a strong Los Angeles squad, on offense at least. Since their defense has had its struggles as well. That means, this is a game that could be an outright shoot out. One that seemingly will either come down to a single play or a single mistake. But in my opinion, it is going to come down to which defense steps up and makes those critical stops. Because that’s what’s held these teams back from true glory all season long and in my opinion, it will be Miami that pulls that off. Since they do have a slight edge talent wise on the defensive side of the ball.