Locks and Shocks: Week 14

Each week Dan Barber, Fergus Head, Reece Mowlem and Owen Turner pick one team who is a lock and certain to win their game and one team who will cause a shock and win their game despite being the underdog.  Below are this week's picks.

 Dan Barber
Lock: JETS over Broncos
Who’d have thought that in Week 14 of the 2017 NFL Regular Season, I would be putting the New York Jets as my lock to pick up a win in Mile High. Yet, here we are, with the Jets sat at 5-7, and looking far, far more impressive than a miserable Broncos outfit. Although the Jets have been pretty abysmal on the road this year (1-4), I’m calling for McCown to wipe the floor with a surprisingly suspect Denver defence, and (I can’t believe I’m saying this), pick up another win to push towards playoff contention.
Shock:  RAVENS over Steelers
Now it may just look like I’m picking on my own team again (I know, valiant supporter that I am) but there is a real chance that the Ravens come in and upset their ferocious rivals this Sunday. The Steelers are extremely distracted right now, rightfully concerned about the health of their star linebacker Ryan Shazier, and similarly rightfully angry (not biased) about the JuJu suspension. I expect a cool-headed Ravens team to pick up a win in Heinz Field this weekend over an emotional and somewhat depleted Steelers team.

Fergus Head
Lock: PANTHERS over Vikings
Well well well, would you look at that. Ferg backs a Cam Newton led team against a very stout Vikings in Week 14. I've got to say, for a lock I'm a bit nervous and I mean no disrespect to Keenum and Minnesota, but I just think Kuechly and the Panthers defence will do more than enough to hold off the boys in purple this week, and Cam could have one of those weeks...anyway, it's all a bit of fun in the end, so who knows? Nobody knows that's who. Nobody.
Shock: JAGUARS over Seahawks
WHAAAAAT. Seahawks looked better than they are last week as desperation can do that to teams from time to time, but the Jaguars look tasty when Bortles throws the ball to his own team. I'm going to ride what will inevitably be a short coaster with some fresh Advent hope. Go on Blake, do it for the vine.

Reece Mowlem
Lock: PATRIOTS over Dolphins
I've been very vocal over the last few weeks about my thoughts on Tom Brady and my belief that he is the clear MVP favourite this year.  Due to this, It will come as no surprise to you Mr. Reader, that I'm backing TB12 to crucify the Dolphins on Monday night and all but guarantee the number one seed in the hopeless AFC.
Shock: BROWNS over Packers
I'll give you a few seconds to get your breath back as I'm sure you can't quite believe what you just read.  That's right, the Browns will win a game.  Josh Gordon looked surprisingly good in his NFL return and, if he can establish a good connection with Kizer, they could become a reasonably effective duo.  Pair this with the fact that the Browns defence has been above average recently and I think Cleveland could give Hundley and the Packers quite a bit of trouble.  The 0-16 dream dies this week.