NFL
NFL week 14 preview: Dak Prescott to rush closer to MVP status
We’re just five weeks out from the playoffs and the heat is ramping up across both NFC and AFC conferences.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars travelling to Cleveland to face the Browns, and the pick of the bunch, the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Philadelphia Eagles, this week is sure to provide some electric football.
We preview two marquee matchups from Week 14 below.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cleveland Browns
The Jacksonville Jaguars narrowly went down to the Cleveland Browns’ Ohio rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, last week but prior to that had put together back-to-back wins and will be looking to bounce back to form.
After suffering a high ankle sprain during Monday night’s 34-31 overtime defeat to the Bengals, quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s availability for the Jacksonville Jaguars is the key for Sunday’s fixture against the Browns. Lately, Lawrence has been performing at his peak. He made franchise history by being the first player to score at least one touchdown in both passing and rushing in three straight weeks against the Bengals. If Lawrence is available, the Jaguars at 7/5 is a price worth noting, while they are 20/21 with the spread applied (+3).
This should be an intriguing affair as the Browns defensive prowess has the potential to mute the effect Trevor Lawrence has on this game. Cleveland Browns are defensive leaders when it comes to the fewest yards allowed against them, so this could be an intriguing tactical battle. The Browns do come here on the back of two defeats though, including a 36-19 humbling at the hands of the LA Rams, so a 5/8 price about them doesn’t appeal.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys have been two of the strongest teams in the NFL this season, with their records currently standing at 10-2 and 9-3 respectively.
The Cowboys come here full of confidence on a four-game winning streak and are the 5/9 favourites, while the Eagles are 8/5 to bounce back from only their second defeat of the season at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers last time.
This is arguably the most significant NFL Week 14 matchup. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who is currently a strong MVP candidate, needs to be at the top of his game if his side are to win again after a thrilling victory against Seattle Seahawks recently. Prescott is 10/3 to be named the Regular Season MVP. If Prescott is at the top of his game, we can expect him to gain rushing yards and he is 4/5 to make over 15.5 yards.
Every game is important in the NFL playoff race, which is becoming hotter by the week. A win over the Eagles would put the Cowboys in a tie for first place in their division. The Cowboys will be determined and confident going into this game since they have been playing well lately and have improved significantly in the offence department. There’s no denying the hosts’ confidence in a convincing Cowboys triumph. A spread bet on Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) is 20/21.
