Madden predicts a big game in the Big Easy, with playoff implications all around

After a string of losing weeks, Madden managed to claw its way back to .500 during Week 13, but the scores it picked were a little overzealous. As the season grinds on, the odds of major blowouts are decreasing all the time. Defenses find ways to slow hot offenses, injuries hurt the production of the best scoring machines, and a grueling schedule in the NFL makes teams more alike as fatigue kicks in. We’ll still see the odd blowout, but the days of teams scoring more than 40 points are likely behind us (with the possible exception of the Broncos and Peyton Manning, who the League may want to test to see if he is a robot.)

This week Madden only picked two teams to score more than 40 points, which by Madden standards is showing restraint. The first is the New York Giants in a blowout of the Chargers. As far as picking blowouts go though, that’s not a bad one to pick. Both teams share a 5-7 record, and although the Chargers have significantly outscored the New York football Giants 279 to 237 this season, the Giants are 4-1 in the last five games while the Chargers are 1-4.

With only four more weeks of regular-season football left, and only one team having clinched a playoff spot (the Seahawks seized one on Monday by defeating the Saints, and Seattle is now playing for home field advantage), expect some tough and intense games. There are a handful of divisional rivalries this week, as well as games that could completely reshape the wildcard race.

The best of the best this week includes a matchup of division leaders Cincinnati (8-4) and Indianapolis (8-4). Both teams are firmly in charge of their own divisions and a loss wouldn’t necessarily hurt either’s playoff chances. It could impact home field standing though, so this will be one to watch. The game will be played in Cincinnati, but the biggest factor may be which Andy Dalton shows up. The Bengals QB has thrown eight interceptions in the last four weeks, matching his interception total for the rest of the season combined.

The next game to watch is Detroit (7-5) at Philadelphia (7-5). Another non-divisional game with a big playoff footprint, the Lions and Eagles have combined to score 626 points and given up 568. Expect a high-scoring game.

And finally, in what looks like it will be the game of the week, Carolina (9-3) heads to New Orleans (9-3) in a divisional matchup between two teams undefeated in the NFC South. The winner will take the lead in the division, while the loser is thrown into the wildcard hunt. New Orleans is coming off a huge loss to Seattle, but still features the seventh highest scoring offense in the NFL. Carolina on the other hand, brings with it an eight-game winning streak, and has given up the fewest points of any team in the NFL this season.

Week 14 League Leaders:

Quarterbacks

Wide Receivers

Running Backs

Injuries

Week 14 Game Results:

Thursday Night Game

Sunday Games

Monday Night Game