NFL Week 14 Game Predictions: Who wins key playoff matchups?

Dec 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Cody Wallace (72) lines up against the Cincinnati Bengals defense during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

With only four weeks until the end of the season, this is crunch time for all the teams in the playoff hunt. Each loss, could be the deciding loss that keeps them out of the playoffs. Therefore these game will be highly contested and should be very entertaining to watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals: 

This is a must win game for the Steelers. If they don’t win this game I don’t see them having much of a chance of making the playoffs. For Cincinnati this is just as much of a key game, because their schedule to finish the season is quite difficult. This game is one of the hardest to pick, simply because both teams are extremely inconsistent. I think the Bengals will manage to win this game. They are playing at home  and the Steelers really haven’t had a convincing performance in five weeks. I think Andy Dalton will have a solid game, but the Bengals need to make sure to not make Dalton throw it 40+ times like they did last year against the Steelers. If they can find a balanced offensive attack, they will win this football game, but that is a big if. This game could go either way.

Winner: Cincinnati Bengals 

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St.Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins 

This is a game between two teams that are a non-factor in the playoff picture, but seem to be on completely different paths. The St. Louis Rams have been playing good football ever since week 7, while the Redskins seem to be switching QB’s every two weeks and none of them seem to be able to lead this team to a win. I think the Rams defense will take care of business here and beat up on a struggling offense. Colt McCoy showed some ability last week against the Colts, but this Rams defense is a lot better. Tre Mason will have another good game and the Rams will move to one game below .500.

Winner: St.Louis Rams 

Next: NYG vs. TEN, CAR vs. NO