My NFL Week 13 Picks
After a week of exciting Thanksgiving games, the continuing downfalls of the Eagles, Chargers, and Bills, and some more Tebow heroics, here are my picks for Week 13.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) at Seattle Seahawks (4-7), Thursday, 8:20 PM
The Eagles are coming off an embarassing loss to the Patriots, 38-20. Their playoff hopes have become even slimmer. They have a short week, a long road trip to Seattle, and still no Michael Vick. And Seattle has won 2 of their last 3, by the way. Seahawks 27 Eagles 21 (This prediction WAS made before the game, however, this article was published after the game.)
Carolina Panthers (3-8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7), Sunday, 1:00 PM
The Buccaneers have lost 5 in a row and are desperate for a win. Their defense is one of the worst in the league and is going against a high-powered Carolina offense that can put points on the board. Expect a shootout, as Carolina's defense isn't too stellar either. Carolina 38 Tampa Bay 28
Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3), Sunday, 1:00 PM
A game between two of the best teams and defenses in the AFC. Their last meeting was in Cincinnati in Week 10 and it ended in an exciting 24-17 Pittsburgh victory. Even though they barely survived a close call in Kansas City last week, it's hard to bet against the Steelers right now. Steelers 20 Bengals 17
Atlanta Falcons (7-4) at Houston Texans (8-3), Sunday, 1:00 PM
Atlanta is rolling, winning 5 of its last 6 games. Houston's QB situation is my main concern in this game, as T.J. Yates is making his first NFL start after the injuries to Schaub and Leinart. Expect a fairly low scoring game with Houston's defense, but I think Atlanta pulls this one due to Houston's young QB and his probable rookie mistakes. Atlanta 17 Houston 10
New York Jets (6-5) at Washington Redskins (4-7), Sunday, 1:00 PM
New York is desperate for a win. Washington has lost 6 0f its last 7. The Jets' defense will be as tough as ever and won't allow much against a weak Washington offense. New York 24 Washington 6
Indianapolis Colts (0-11) at New England Patriots (8-3), Sunday, 1:00 PM
This game is so bad that it got demoted from Sunday Night Football. Expect a rout. A big one. New England 41 Indianapolis 13
Oakland Raiders (7-4) at Miami Dolphins (3-8), Sunday, 1:00 PM
The Dolphins have been playing well lately, but I don't think Miami can handle the Raiders, with or without McFadden. Carson Palmer has been on a roll, and Oakland is looking like a real contender, but they should still check for the Broncos in their rearview mirror. Oakland 27 Miami 17
Denver Broncos (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (2-9), Sunday, 1:00 PM
The Broncos' defense has been phenomenal during their 4 game winning streak and I don't expect it to end this week. Also, they have Tim Tebow at quarterback, which means the Broncos will win. Denver 23 Minnesota 10
Tennessee Titans (6-5) at Buffalo Bills (5-6), Sunday, 1:00 PM
With Houston's concerns, it is Tennessee's time to make a run for 1st in the AFC South. Buffalo has lost its last 4 games and their offense has been lost since Fred Jackson went down. Matt Hasselbeck is playing great, and the Titans should pull out of this one quite easily. Tennessee 28 Buffalo 17
Kansas City Chiefs (4-7) at Chicago Bears (7-4), Sunday, 1:00 PM
Caleb Hanie faces a weak Kansas City Chiefs defense this week, and I expect him to play pretty well. Whether the Chiefs go with Palko or Orton won't make much of a difference. It should be a fairly easy Chicago victory. Chicago 20 Kansas City 7
Baltimore Ravens (8-3) at Cleveland Browns (4-7), Sunday, 4:05 PM
The Ravens could be the team to beat in the AFC. However, after two big wins to the Steelers this year, they lost to Tennessee and Seattle, and they lost to Jacksonville embarrassingly. They won impressively against San Francisco last week. This is a division game and anything could happen. But, I still give Baltimore a big advantage. Baltimore 31 Cleveland 13
Dallas Cowboys (7-4) at Arizona Cardinals (4-7), Sunday, 4:15 PM
The Cowboys control their destiny in the NFC East. Tony Romo and the offense is playing well, and they have won 4 straight. 2 of Arizona's 4 wins this year have been to the Rams, and they haven't won against a good team all year. Dallas 35 Arizona 20
Green Bay Packers (11-0) at New York Giants (6-5), Sunday, 4:15 PM
This is a tough game for the undefeated Packers in New York. It's a game between two of the top 4 passing attacks and 2 of the bottom 6 passing defenses in the NFL. Expect Manning and Rodgers to air it out and score a lot. Green Bay 34 New York 27
St. Louis Rams (2-9) at San Francisco 49ers (9-2), Sunday, 4:15 PM
The 49ers' defense is on fire and Alex Smith isn't making mistakes. The Rams have the worst rush defense in the league, and the 49ers have Frank Gore. This one's a no-brainer. San Francisco 28 St. Louis 9
Detroit Lions (7-4) at New Orleans Saints (8-3), Sunday, 8:20 PM
With the Ndamukong Suh distractions, a lot of people are giving up on the Lions. But, they're still very much in the hunt. Despite that, the New Orleans offense will be way too much for them to handle. New Orleans 35 Detroit 23
San Diego Chargers (4-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8), Monday, 8:30 PM
The Chargers have lost 6 in a row, but they can't possibly lose to the Jaguars, right? I don't know anymore with the Chargers, so I give Jacksonville the win. Jacksonville 24 San Diego 21
There they are for you. I will be writing this series each week before the Sunday games. May Tebow be with you.
