Week 13 NFL Picks

     Now normally I wouldn’t put out my picks for the week until around Saturday, but since it’s Thanksgiving, and there are three Thursday games, I’ve decided to give all my picks early this week.  At this point in the season, every game means a lot for teams in contention, so let’s see who I think gets a big win to help push them towards the playoffs.

     Bears at Lions: Chicago finally won a couple games to break their huge skid.  However, they were both close 21-13 wins against the Vikings and Bucs, not really impressive.  The Lions were destroyed by the Patriots, but that was on the road, and I think they win at home today.  Lions 31-20

     Eagles at Cowboys: This is a huge game and could potentially decide the NFC East.  The Cowboys are coming off a sweep of the Giants, and the Eagles rebounded nicely against the Titans after being demolished by the Packers.  Mark Sanchez is a shaky QB, however.  Advantage Dallas.  Cowboys 28-26

     Seahawks at 49ers: Another huge game, as the loser faces a tough road ahead to a wild card.  With their last three wins all coming by less than seven points, I feel the 49ers are due for a slip-up at some point.  And since the Seahawks just beat the Cardinals, they’ll be fired up.  Seahawks 24-20

     Browns at Bills: The Browns deserve a lot of credit for their season, especially winning when they have needed to, such as in New Orleans, which is very difficult.  The Bills have also exceeded expectations, making this game difficult to call.  When in doubt, pick the home team.  Bills 27-24

     Redskins at Colts: Colt McCoy gets the start this week for Jay Gruden’s team.  When you change quarterback every other week, guys never get used to playing with each other, and that has really hurt the team.  Plus, they get to play Andrew Luck on the road.  Colts 34-20

     Raiders at Rams: Could the Raiders have a two-game win streak?  There could definitely be harder match ups for them.  The Rams seem to only know how to beat good teams, leaving a window of opportunity for an upset.  However, I don’t see it that way.  Rams 17-13

     Panthers at Vikings: The Vikes aren’t good by any means, however I just really don’t want to pick anyone from the NFC South to win a game and the Purple People Eaters are at home.  Vikings 24-20

     Saints at Steelers: The Saints of all teams have lost three in a row at home.  Now they’re being asked to win on the road against a hot team?  Think again.  Steelers 30-20

     Bengals at Buccaneers: The Bengals proved they can win on the road by defeating the Texans last week, and the Bucs are in the NFC South.  ‘Nuff said.  Bengals 28-13

     Giants at Jaguars:  The Giants almost won against the Cowboys last week, and shout out to Odell Beckham Jr.  From what I’ve seen from him this season, he is a future pro-bowler, and potential Hall-of-Famer if he can continue to develop.  He can catch anything thrown at him, and us Giants fans have been waiting a long time for a guy who can do that.  Just please beat the Jags.  Please.  Giants 31-20

     Chargers at Ravens: The Chargers have looked awfully shaky since their strong September, but have still managed to retain a 7-4 record, same as Baltimore.  However, Baltimore has looked much better, and I like them at home in a big AFC wild card matchup.  Ravens 24-16

     Titans at Texans: The Texans absolutely need this win to remain alive.  Good news for them, they get to play the 2-9 struggling Titans.  J.J. Watt had a field day last time he played Zach Mettenberger, and I think there’ll be a repeat performance in the return of Ryan Fitzpatrick (who has finally shaved). Texans 27-14.

     Cardinals at Falcons: The Cardinals are struggling on offense without Carson Palmer, and took their second loss of the season against the Seahawks last week.  The Falcons are not near as good as the Seahawks though, especially on defense.  I think the Cardinals hit 10 wins this week, being the first team to do so.  Cardinals 23-17

     Patriots at Packers: Wow, what a game this will be.  How this game didn’t make primetime I will never know.  At this stage of the season, this looks like the Super Bowl matchup.  These are the hottest two teams in the league, and have both been tearing opponents apart.  The Packers have been incredible at home, which gives them the edge in my book.  Expect a great game.  Packers 34-31

     Broncos at Chiefs: The Broncos are 6-0 at home this season, but only 2-3 on the road.  This is a big game as the winner takes control of the division.  I really don’t know with this one.  I guess I’m going with the numbers and Peyton’s road struggles for this game.  Chiefs 31-30

     Dolphins at Jets: Geno Smith gets another chance this week in a horrible Monday night matchup.  I’m going to make this brief: it doesn’t matter who the Jets start at QB, they aren’t winning.  Dolphins 27-10

     That’s it for this week’s picks.  Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.  We all have a lot to be thankful for, including the great world of sports.

     Connor