Week 14:

Dallas Cowboys @ Cincinnati Bengals – With a Giants Loss, the Cowboys can tie for the NFC East lead with a win on the road vs. a tough Bengals team. The Bengals are looking to keep up with the Steelers and Colts in the Wild Card hunt.  If Dallas can get the run game going and have some balance, Tony Romo and the Boys’ offense should continue to put up big numbers and carry them to a win. However, if they cannot, their offensive line will have trouble against a ferocious Bengals pass rush lead by Geno Atkins.

Key Match up: Dez Bryant vs. the Bengal’s secondary – In his last four games Bryant has 29 catches for 475 yards and six touchdowns. The Bengal’s corners must try to find a way to at least slow him down.

Prediction: Dallas 24 – Cincinnati 20

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings – This game is extremely important for both teams. The Vikings need a win to keep up with Dallas, Tampa Bay, Washington, and Seattle for the second NFC Wild Card Spot. Chicago is trying to beat out Green Bay for the division title. If Chicago’s defense can force second year quarterback Christian Ponder into some mistakes they could run away with this one. However Adrian Peterson should keep them in the game. If the Vikings can then get some big plays from Percy Harvin (If he plays) they could potentially pull off the upset.

Key Match up: Christian Ponder vs. Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings – Ponder must avoid bad decisions in the areas of Chicago’s two corners who are notorious for creating turnovers.

Prediction: Chicago 17 – Minnesota – 10

Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Redskins – RG3 face will face an injury – depleted, yet still tough Ravens defense at home. If the Redskins win and the Giants lose they could either be tied, or take over in 1st in the NFC East, depending on what Dallas does. The Ravens will be looking to bounce back after a gut – wrenching loss to the Charlie Batch – lead Steelers at home. If the Ravens defense can slow down the Redskins read option they will likely have success. If they cannot it is up to Joe Flacco to match the points RG3 will put up.

Key Match up: Terrell Suggs vs. Robert Griffin III – The Ravens outside linebacker will need to make a lot of plays when Washington runs their read option to his side. The outside linebacker is the player that dictates where the ball goes. Suggs needs to be patient and make tackles and get after Griffin when he drops back to pass.

Prediction: Ravens 30 – Redskins – 27