We’re heading into the home stretch — week 14 of 17 on the year. This is when office pools are won or lost. Some teams are desperate for wins and are playing at full intensity. Others are dreaming of the offseason’s merciful arrival. The trick is to know which is which. Here’s how I see this week playing out for you office pool players:

Houston at Jacksonville: Interesting one here. The Jaguars have won three of four and are playing with pride far beyond their ability. Houston has lost 10 straight, but they are coming off their best effort — at least in the first half — in a narrow loss to New England. Jacksonville won the first meeting, but I’ll bet against the sweep. Take the Texans.

Indianapolis at Cincinnati: The Colts played a little better last week than they have up to this point. They have all but clinched their division and can wrap it up here. The Bengals are unbeaten at home, though, so Cincy is the pick here.

Atlanta at Green Bay: The Falcons finally won another one last week, but that was on a neutral field against a challenged Buffalo quad. Not impressed. Of course, Green Bay is far from impressive right now, too. I’m going to regret this pick regardless of which team I pick. Take the Falcons.

Cleveland at New England: The Browns are moving backwards. The Patriots are dialed in and angry. It’s in Foxboro. It could get ugly. Take the Patriots.

Oakland at New York Jets: I don’t like much about the Raiders — especially on the road. At least they have some QB clarity of a sort, though. Geno Smith has been just terrible, and I don’t trust him to rally this team — even in a spot like this. Take the Raiders.

Detroit at Philadelphia: I believe in the Eagles. They have won four in a row, and Nick Foles is playing some very strong football. Detroit is talented but frustratingly inconsistent. Philadelphia will out-hustle their opponent, and that will be enough. Take the Eagles.

Miami at Pittsburgh: Dolphins players will want to stay away from the Pittsburgh sideline when they have the ball. I like the Dolphins more overall right now, but playing at home is enough to tip the scale for Pittsburgh. Take the Steelers.

Buffalo at Tampa Bay: Mike Glennon is a solid QB, and this team is playing much better around him for the most part than they were before. Buffalo is tough to like on the road and on the wrong side of this one. Take the Bucs.

Kansas City at Washington: The Chiefs are on a serious skid. This is an ideal remedy for them. The Redskins have not protected home turf well, have issues around the field, and don’t match up well here. Take the Chiefs.

Minnesota at Baltimore: I don’t like much about either team, but I like Joe Flacco a whole lot more than any option the Vikings might have — especially when Flacco is at home. Take the Ravens.

Tennessee at Denver: Broncos. Obviously.

St. Louis at Arizona: This Arizona team plays tough and is legitimate. They are especially impressive at home, where they are 5-1. St. Louis is doing some things well, but they are a step behind in this one. Take the Cardinals.

New York Giants at San Diego: I really want to take the Chargers, but they make it so tough. I don’t like New York much, either, but they are 5-1 in their last six despite their issues from QB on out. Take the Giants.

Seattle at San Francisco: Huge, huge game. The Seahawks showed that they own the NFC with their convincing win over New Orleans. They also dominated the 49ers when they last met. They are the smart choice. San Francisco is playing much better now than then, though, and they will be highly motivated for revenge here at home. Gamble and take the 49ers.

Carolina at New Orleans: That was humiliating for the Saints, and it exposed some real issues. They are a very good team but not a complete one. Carolina has won eight in a row and looks great. New Orleans is unbeaten at home, though, and will be looking to salvage pride after that humiliating effort. Take the Saints.

Dallas at Chicago: Lousy, lousy game. Dallas is fighting for first place in their division, but they are lousy on the road. Chicago is struggling, but is solid at home and can score points. Take the Bears.

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