As we hit the stretch drive of the 2023 NFL season, it is in many respects a last chance for many teams and players to make an impact on this season.

For example, here in New Jersey, it is very likely the last chance for Jets quarterback Zach Wilson to prove he can be an NFL-level quarterback for Gang Green. The story that came out earlier this week on Wilson’s reluctance to play football again this year can’t sit well with the team, even if they have gone out and defended the quarterback publicly. Wilson has struggled when called upon the past three years, and if he has any hopes of proving the doubters wrong, and perhaps giving himself a shot elsewhere in 2024, he needs to ball out the next five weeks.

The Jets host the Texans on Sunday. More on that below.

Meanwhile, the NFL playoff chase is heating up. And this week could be the last chance for many teams on the bubble to get into the postseason.

In the AFC nine teams (Buffalo, Denver, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and Houston) are all vying for three spots in the AFC playoff picture. These teams are either 7-5, 6-6 or 5-7 right now. A win this week for any of these teams, and they would take a serious first step toward qualifying for the playoffs. The NFC is no better as seven teams are either 6-6 or 5-7 entering Week 14.

And, there is this huge game on Sunday night featuring Philly and Dallas. Yeah, that could have significant playoff implications too. Check out our picks!

• HOUSTON (7-5) (-3.5) @ NY JETS (4-8)

  After reports surfaced that Zach Wilson was gun shy about going back under center for the Jets, Gang Green tried to put its best spin on the story by blaming the media, while going back to Wilson this week, pumping out the narrative that Wilson is “angry” and ready to “prove” something. Well, good luck with that as the red-hot Texans come into town. While the Texans defense won’t scare anyone, it’s hard to imagine the Jets keeping pace with Rookie of the Year lock C.J. Stroud who will try to light up the New York sky for Houston. PICK: TEXANS 31 – JETS 11

• JACKSONVILLE (8-4) @ CLEVELAND (7-5) (-3.0)

  A lot rides on the right ankle of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He suffered a right ankle sprain on Monday night against Cincinnati, and is listed as questionable for Sunday. It might be asking a lot of him to return on a short week on a bad foot. If he can’t go, the Jags turn to C.J. Beathard, who played well in the loss to the Bengals. The Browns are trying to stay alive in the playoff chase with veteran Joe Flacco now under center. All things considered, this will come down to which defense is able to make the big play in the fourth quarter. PICK: BROWNS 24 – JAGUARS 20 

• BUFFALO (6-6) @ KANSAS CITY (8-4) (-3.0)

  Two teams that have really struggled to match expectations this season. The Chiefs have lost three of their last five, while the Bills are 3-5 in their last eight games. In short, these two teams needs to make a turnaround and fast.  The trust here leans more Kansas City.  One, they are home at Arrowhead. Two, Patrick Mahomes should carve up a Bills defense that has been middle of the pack all season. The Bills are a frustrating team. They make loads of mistakes thanks to in major part to quarterback Josh Allen, and they lack team discipline.  K.C. should find a way to pull away late. PICK: CHIEFS 27 – BILLS 24.

• PHILADELPHIA (10-2) @ DALLAS (9-3) (-3.5)

  The ultimate grudge match on Sunday night features the Eagles and Cowboys doing battle in Big D. The Boys have long tried to out the Eagles from atop the NFC East, and now is their shot. The Eagles have looked mortal the past couple weeks, including losing to San Francisco last week. The Cowboys are also 6-0 at home this year, and have looked unstoppable in Jerry World this season. If the Eagles are a Super Bowl team, this is a game they must come out, put last week behind them and beat the Cowboys on the road. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has not turned it over in his last two games against Dallas. PICK: EAGLES 30 – COWBOYS 27

• GREEN BAY (6-6) (-6.5) @ NY GIANTS (4-8)

  Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito has been a nice story the past few weeks for the Giants, winning a pair of games and bringing some excitement to the fanbase. Still though, this has been a rough year for the Giants overall, and they welcome in a surging Packers team into MetLife.  Jordan Love is getting very comfortable as Green Bay’s starting quarterback, and he could feast on the Giants secondary which has been hit or miss all year.  No joy for Giants fans this week. PICK: PACKERS 26 – GIANTS 19.

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