This morning as I got up and looked at the Week 14 schedule, I felt a bit like Jack Skellington. “What’s this, what’s this, we’ve actually got a game?” After a couple weeks of re-adjusted schedules due to COVID case explosions, this week actually looks somewhat normal. And it is a good matchup, who’d have thought!

The New England Patriots haven’t looked like world beaters this season, but Cam Newton and the boys are getting it figured out. The Patriots are fresh off a 45-0 win over the Chargers that brought them back to .500 (6-6) and put them back squarely in the playoff race in the AFC. Now all they have to do is keep winning.

That’s no easy task on Thursday night. The Patriots travel to Los Angeles to battle the Rams. While not as high-flying as they once were, the Rams offense has been solid and the defense has come together as the team jumped to an 8-4 start and sits in first place in the tight-packed NFC West. That means both teams have some pressure and reasons to win.

In terms of fantasy, this isn’t the greatest matchup. The Patriots keep finding a way, but that hasn’t been great for your fantasy lineup. Newton is a QB2 with upside and Damien Harris is an RB3. Demiere Byrd and Jacobi Myers are kind of WR4/5 dart throws that could have a good game or could give you 1.5 points. That’s probably not the bet you’re making in the fantasy playoffs.

For the Rams, Jared Goff is also a QB2. Among running backs, Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown and rookie Cam Akers have all been involved. Akers has looked the best of late, but none is more than an RB3 with upside. The best plays on the Rams have been receiver Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. Both are WR2s. At tight end, Tyler Higbee had a touchdown last week, but he’s still a low-end TE2 for me, and boom-bust depending on TDs.

Prediction: I think the Rams win and keep a hold on first place.

Drive In Podcast Network Picks

Another solid week from Matt Bruening, who increased his lead with just four weeks left in the season. Can he be caught? It’s looking doubtful.

Matt Bruening
Last Week: 11-4
Season: 128-64

Matt Fox
Last Week: 10-5
Season: 119-73

Lindsay Fox
Last Week: 9-6
Season: 114-78

Dennis Bennett
Last Week: 12-3
Season: 114-78

Ricky Valero
Last Week: 9-6
Season: 97-95

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.