NFL Week 14 preview: Playoff picture taking shape

The NFL season is coming to a thrilling climax, and with just five weeks of the regular season left and plenty to play for, we preview some of the biggest matchups for Week 14.

Ravens @ Browns

The Cleveland Browns entered the season with genuine hopes of a strong playoff run, instead they find themselves bottom of the AFC North, with a 6-6 record. While this is by no means season ending, they will need to win the majority of their remaining fixtures to stand any chance of making the playoffs. A home win against division leading Baltimore would be a fantastic place to start.

Baker Mayfield has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies this season, but the Browns enter as 20/27 favourites. They’ll need to be on their best to beat the Ravens, who overcame an awful performance by QB Lamar Jackson just two weeks ago to beat the very same Browns.

The Ravens offense has struggled to fire for a while, not eclipsing 22 points in four consecutive games, so a big statement will be needed here, especially with their defence losing star cornerback for the season Marlon Humphrey during the week. Baltimore are 23/20, while the handicap sits at just 2.5.

If Cleveland come to play to their potential, with a fired-up Dawg Pound behind them, they could gain a vital win here as they look to inject some life into their season.

Bills @ Buccaneers

Two big Super Bowl contenders face off as they look to highlight their credentials. Buffalo took a difficult loss to the Patriots in poor conditions last time out, while the Bucs are on three game win streak. Tampa Bay sit comfortably atop the NFC South, and at 9-3 look like they will go very far in the defence of their Super Bowl crown. The Bucs are 10/17 favourites, while Buffalo are 6/4, with a handicap of 3.

Buffalo needs to bounce back from their last result and start generating some momentum heading into the postseason. They are by no means confirmed to make the playoffs yet, so a result here will gain attention. Expect Josh Allen to come out firing, and Tom Brady to match him. The over/under on the points is 52.5, with the over available at 10/11.

Rams @ Cardinals

Two of the most exciting offenses in the NFL face off in a key battle in the NFC West. The Cardinals, with their best record in the NFL, host the Rams, who are looking to build on a big win over the Jaguars at the weekend. Matt Stafford and Kyler Murray are two very different QBs at opposite ends of their careers, but both can change a game in an instant.

The Cardinals have home advantage, and are worthy favourites at 20/27. The Rams are 23/20, while the handicap is again a close one at 2.5. This game has the potential to be an instant classic, with superstars all over the field on both sides of the ball.

It could as easily be a game dominated by the likes of Aaron Donald and Jordan Hicks, or Deandre Hopkins and Cooper Kupp. If Stafford can not turn the ball over, then the Rams have a very live chance of heading back to LA with a vital win. The Rams +2.5 can be backed at 10/11.