NFL Week 13 picks

Not too many exciting match-ups this week, but we do see a tough battle in Indy brewing.

Thursday - New York Jets at Buffalo Bills : Both teams are coming off of important wins.  Buffalo needs this win more - a loss could practically remove them from playoff contention - but I'm not sure they'll get it.  Despite rookie mistakes by Jets QB Mark Sanchez, the Jets offense is more in sync than the Bills.  Defensively, I have to give the nod to Rex Ryan's Jets.  JETS, 23-20

Sunday early games:
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs:  The Chiefs should regain their winning ways nicely against the hapless and confused Chiefs.  BRONCOS, 28-6

Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals:  Although unbeaten in the NFC North, the Bengals haven't done so well outside the division.  This game should help boost their percentage, although the Lions might prove a bit tougher than they expected.  Despite a loss on Thanksgiving Day, Matt Stafford was starting to get more comfortable in his role, and the receivers were getting in sync.  BENGALS, 20-10

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars:  This game could go either way.  I think the last team to get into the red zone will win it, and I think Jack Del Rio does a fairly good job of clock management.  JAGS, 20-17

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins:  The Patriots should bounce back nicely from their loss to the Saints.  The wildcard doesn't bother the Pats defense, and Miami doesn't have much else.  PATS, 24-16

New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins:  The Saints will continue their unbeaten streak and dominance of the league in an overwhelmingly dominant performance in DC.  SAINTS, 37-13

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers:  Life hasn't been too good for the Steelers recently, but with Big Ben likely returning to the field, they should get new life and new spirit, and trounce the utterly offensiveless Raiders.  STEELERS, 23-10

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons:  The Falcons play tough at home, so they won't make it easy for the Eagles.  The Eagles have a strong offense, though, so they should lead for most of the game.  The Falcons gain second wind in the fourth quarter, though.  If the Eagles defense cannot stop their last drive, the Falcons might squeak out a one-point victory.  EAGLES, 26-20

St Louis Rams at Chicago Bears:  Ah, the Bears finally get a defense so porous that even Jay Cutler can't screw up.  Defensively injured but spiritually tough, I think the Rams will have trouble moving the ball.  BEARS, 27-10

Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers:  This is a game that the Bucs could win, and QB Josh Freeman is starting to catch on, but the Panthers defense might still be too much for Freeman to overcome at this point in his development.  Expect this one to a defensive battle.  PANTHERS, 13-6

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts:  The Colts like close games, and this one should be close.  I'll pick Indy, because they play so well in those circumstances, but I can't deny the success that Vince Young has had since returning under center.  He seems revitalized in his commitment, and he's outrunning defenses to keep the play alive.  If the Colts aren't careful, this will be their first loss of the season.  COLTS, 24-22

Sunday late games:
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants:  The Giants are down again, while the Cowboys are looking sharper.  Their struggles earlier in the season seem to have disappeared, and that makes their offense dangerous.  The Giants defense has shown several holes, holes the Cowboys will exploit.  COWBOYS, 27-16

San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns:  San Diego's in good shape to pulverize the Browns and maintain their one-game lead over the Broncos in the closest division race in the league.  CHARGERS, 30-10

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks:  The 49ers look to remain active in the playoff hunt as they travel to Seattle.  The Seahawks just aren't coordinated this season, and they make WAAAYYYY too many mistakes.  San Francisco is one of the better teams in regards to creating turnovers, so this game should go the 49ers' way.  49ERS, 20-13

Monday Night Football - Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers:  The Pack will continue their march to remain within striking distance of the NFC North division title as they face the Ravens.  The Ravens have proven to be a bit underachieving this season, given the offensive support given to them in the off-season.  The Pack has injuries, but they always find ways to deliver anyway.  PACK, 27-17