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Week 14 Warmup: Patriots on upset watch; Can the Browns get win No. 1?

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Week 14 Warmup takes an in-depth look at the NFL's most intriguing storylines ahead of the weekend's slate of games.

The Rundown

Prime-time showdowns

Finally. After a season of underwhelming games played under the lights, the NFL finally has a week of intriguing prime-time tilts. Following up the Chiefs-Raiders battle for AFC West supremacy Thursday, the Cowboys and Giants go head-to-head Sunday. Dallas is far and away the hottest team in the league, but New York's ability to stop the run and make big plays in the passing game will provide a major test. Monday night's game puts Tom Brady and the high-powered Patriots offense up against Baltimore's No. 1 ranked defense. Something's gotta give, right?

Cleveland's first win?

Cleveland has four games remaining to avoid becoming the second team in NFL history to go 0-16. In a challenging closing stretch, Sunday's matchup with the Bengals may actually present the best opportunity to get it done. Cincinnati has taken a massive step in the wrong direction this season, and the loss of A.J. Green leaves the offense without its centerpiece. Look for the healthy return of Robert Griffin III to give the Browns' passing game a spark and bring this one right down to the wire.

Steelers rolling

There's the team we all expected to see from the beginning of the season. With the offense now at full strength, Pittsburgh has the look of a juggernaut that will be nearly impossible to stop come January. What AFC contender can match up with a core featuring Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Ladarius Green? Taking on a Bills defense that allowed 29 second-half points to the Raiders last week should have the Steelers positioned to make another statement looking ahead to the playoffs.

Must-See Matchups

Titans O-Line vs. Broncos front 7

Anyone think the Titans may have been tuned into Denver's Sunday night loss in Oakland a few weeks back? Boasting a similarly imposing running game, Tennessee should enter this contest ready to carry out the exact same game plan as the Raiders. This Broncos defense is still supremely talented, but yards are there for the taking on the interior. A date with the NFL's third-ranked ground game is an unfavorable matchup for the defending champions.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Seahawks DBs

The Packers' quest to run the table down the stretch won't seem so daunting if they can take care of business at home against Seattle. Sunday afternoon's showdown will come down to Rodgers' ability to make the necessary plays against a Seahawks defense now playing without All-Pro safety Earl Thomas. Rodgers using his mobility both within and outside the pocket should buy him the necessary time against the pass rush to push the ball downfield.

Dez Bryant vs. Janoris Jenkins

New York's defense enters this week ranked third against the run with an average of just 91.4 yards allowed per game. If that holds up against an incredible offensive front, the Cowboys could be forced to rely on the passing attack more than usual. That's where a particularly interesting one-on-one matchup on the outside comes into play. Jenkins' massive free-agent contract would be worth every penny if he can limit Bryant's production.

Upset Watch

Ravens over Patriots (-7)

The Ravens are still flying under the radar despite winning four of their last five games. That defense continuing its dominance and leading the way to a prime-time win in Foxboro would change that in a hurry. New England's offense is much less dangerous without Rob Gronkowski in the lineup, and a now-healthy Ravens offense will do just enough to outduel Tom Brady as a result. The AFC is about to get a lot more interesting.

Stat of the Week

Unexpected Star

Austin Hooper, Falcons

Already without Mohamed Sanu, the uncertain status of Julio Jones has the Falcons' passing attack undermanned as the club prepares to visit the Rams. Even if Jones is in the lineup, it appears likely that he'll be taking the field at far less than full strength. Don't be surprised if Hooper is the one to step up. The third-round rookie is the most talented pass-catching tight end on the roster, and this is a perfect scenario for his breakout performance.

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