Munaf Manji, Dave Essler and Mackenzie Rivers talk NFL contest betting for Week 14.
Munaf Manji opens the NFL Week 14 Contest Podcast with Mackenzie Rivers and Uncle Dave Essler, noting the chaos of Thanksgiving week and that only 45 entries remain in Circa Survivor after a massive 851-entry wipeout. They break down how all three Thanksgiving favorites lost, how Chicago upset Philadelphia on Black Friday, and how the Rams’ loss to Carolina knocked out four more on Sunday. Mackenzie and Dan were eliminated in Survivor, and Mack jokingly laments missing Fezzik’s hindsight advice to take the Bears as a big dog. They review key picks for Week 14. Uncle Dave takes the Jaguars over the Colts, arguing Indy has been propped up by an easy schedule while Jacksonville, despite inconsistencies, is healthier and stronger at home. Munaf adds that Daniel Jones’ injury limits the Colts’ offense and expects Jacksonville to load the box against Jonathan Taylor. Mack sees the matchup as close but leans Jags due to historical Colts struggles in Jacksonville. Mack’s best bet is the Bills over the Bengals, noting the line is similar to their January 2023 playoff meeting despite Cincinnati being far weaker now and Buffalo’s elite rushing matchup against a poor Bengals rush defense. Munaf expects Buffalo to score 30+ and exploit Cincinnati’s offensive-line issues even with Joe Burrow healthy. Dave agrees the Bengals’ defense is too weak to justify market respect. Munaf’s pick is the Ravens over the Steelers, citing Baltimore’s bounce-back spot, Derrick Henry’s matchup edge, Pittsburgh’s struggling offense, and poor wide-receiver chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. Dave supports it, noting Pittsburgh’s run-defense collapse vs Buffalo and internal frustration around Rodgers calling out teammates. Mack acknowledges Tomlin-as-dog trends but still leans Ravens due to matchup disadvantages. They discuss whether Tomlin’s 19-season winning-record streak will finally end, reviewing a brutal remaining Steelers schedule (Ravens, Dolphins, Lions, Browns, Ravens again) and concluding an 8-9 finish is likely. In Survivor talk, Uncle Dave would use the Eagles over the Chargers despite Philly’s recent losses, arguing the Chargers’ résumé is weak and Harbaugh may not be the NFL fit people expect. Mack’s mapped-out Survivor plan had Tampa Bay beating the Saints this week and still believes the Bucs are the right side with New Orleans showing no incentive to win. Munaf also likes the Bucs and adds the Rams as strong options vs a fading Cardinals team giving up 27+ points in four straight games. They close the episode with gratitude, reflecting on the season, encouraging listener feedback for future shows, and reminding everyone to follow their Survivor coverage and other Pregame podcasts.
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