Week 14 NFL schedule: What to expect from the best possible matchup

Week 14 NFL schedule is here! What can we expect from the Week 14 NFL game?

Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) at Cleveland Browns (5-9)

Saturday, Dec. 1, 1 p.m. ET

At this point, it’s the best possible scenario for the Browns: Andrew Luck is hurt. Or maybe he’s got a bad hamstring, because he doesn’t play the Chiefs. Either way, with his running back missing a fourth consecutive game, or maybe this is Colin Kaepernick’s comeback season, the Chiefs have only themselves to blame. They’re going to need all the points they can get in this one.

Even though he’s been taken off of IR, Ravens safety Eric Weddle will miss at least two games with a concussion. Usually, that spells doom for a defense, especially considering Justin Tucker is having one of the best seasons in his career.

As for the Browns, they’re coming off an encouraging performance against a tough Jets team and Browns cornerback Jason McCourty broke the franchise record for interceptions in a season (11). Cleveland’s offense is fighting to get into gear this season and if that offense — led by rookie QB Baker Mayfield and running back Nick Chubb — can make plays, things will fall into place for a big win over a pair of playoff contenders.

With more than just the records on the line, the Browns need to get their young defense going and put pressure on OT Eric Fisher — a former Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 — and the rest of the Chiefs.

Draft Wire’s 2018 NFL mock draft (provided by predictionsworld.com) has the Browns taking a quarterback, as they did in their trade with the Colts for Andrew Luck in the first round of the 2017 draft. The upcoming class is loaded with QBs, and of the three left, Chubb’s upside is more enticing. If the Browns are in position to get some help on defense, there’s no doubt they should take McCourty, an effective boundary corner who excels in run support.

Packers (8-6) at Vikings (10-4)

Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. ET

Green Bay is struggling, entering Week 14 in a four-way tie for the fourth and final wild-card spot in the NFC. And when asked about Kirk Cousins and the Vikings’ offense, Aaron Rodgers chuckled. “I’m sure Kirk is having fun in Minnesota as well.” And those are two words you can’t help but laugh at when you consider how well the Vikings offense has performed this season.

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook hasn’t played since Week 5 because of a hip injury, so Adrian Peterson, signed to a 1-year deal last week, is expected to receive plenty of opportunities to redeem himself after struggling earlier in the season. Luckily for the Vikings, Green Bay’s defense has been the best against the run in the NFL this season. So as long as Peterson handles his business on offense, Minnesota should be able to beat the Packers.

Follow the Browns on Twitter (@ClevelandBrowns) and the Packers on Twitter (@packers).

As it is a divisional matchup and a 1 p.m. ET kickoff, unless it’s considered afternoon, kick-off times are subject to change and are listed here:

Eagles at Texans

Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. ET

Vikings at Seahawks

Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:25 p.m. ET

Dolphins at Colts

Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:25 p.m. ET

Lions at Bengals

Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:25 p.m. ET

Bills at Patriots

Sunday, Dec. 2, 8:30 p.m. ET

– Joe Mordi, FOX Sports

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