The Bears, Colts, Falcons and Saints are getting to stew on their recent losses for the next two weeks. All four teams are concerned that their playoff hopes are fading, and a quick turnaround win might have been just the medicine for frayed nerves. Considering the poor W-L record of the Packers (5-8), their bye is not exactly a time for celebration, either. And although the Commanders had a good showing Sunday, tying the Giants in overtime, they remain well behind the Eagles and Cowboys in the NFC East.
 
In a season noted for remarkable unpredictability, we now find that there are still only two clear leaders. The Vikings (five games ahead in the NFC North) are a lock to win their division, while the Eagles (11-1) are a lock to make the playoffs, even if the Cowboys (9-3) were able to pass them in the division. Elsewhere in the NFC, the Giants (7-4-1) get a chance to close on the Eagles a bit — and put a little space between themselves and the Commanders, who can only watch.

As the Saints take a break after their loss to the Bucs, the 49ers — minus Jimmy Garoppolo — scramble to get ready for an invasion by Tom Brady and company.
 
What about the AFC?

The Chiefs (9-3) hold just a three-game lead in the AFC West, and the Titans' lead in the AFC South is a slim 2.5 games. But, since the Colts are suffering through an off week, the Titans get a chance to increase their lead — versus the Jaguars Sunday. Another huge match is the Chargers (6-6) hosting the Dolphins (8-4).

But my Game of the Week is the Panthers vs. Seahawks in Seattle. Two very tough defenses will put two hit-and-miss offenses through a stress test.  Which one will survive? Catch that one if you can; it will have enormous playoff implications. The Hawks (7-5) smell a chance to catch the Niners (8-4) in the NFC West, and the Panthers (4-8) are girding for a late-December run at the NFC South crown. Remember that the Panthers have the same 3-1 division record as the Bucs — and beat them in their first meeting.
 
Last week, my picks went a lofty 12.5-2.5. 

Here are all the Week 14 matches — and my picks:

 
1.     Raiders            at  Rams          Raiders                        TNF
2.     Jets                  at  Bills             Bills
3.     Browns            at  Bengals      Bengals
4.     Texans             at  Cowboys    Cowboys
5.     Vikings             at  Lions           Lions
6.     Eagles              at  Giants         Eagles
7.     Ravens             at  Steelers      Steelers
8.     Jaguars            at  Titans         Titans
9.     Chiefs              at  Broncos      Chiefs
10.  Panthers            at  Seahawks   Seahawks
11.  Bucs                 at  49ers          Bucs
12.  Dolphins            at  Chargers     Dolphins.                    SNF
13.  Patriots             at  Cardinals    Patriots                       MNF
 
Teams that have byes: Bears, Colts, Commanders, Falcons, Packers, Saints.
 
For die-hard NFL fans, there is no bye week! Enjoy.