NFL 2017 Week 13 picks

Thurs Nov 30
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys:  The Cowboys offense continues to struggle in the absence of Zeke Elliott.  While Kirk Cousins has taken heat recently, he is consistent and capable of leading his team down the field; we are not sure anymore that Zak Prescott can do the same.  REDSKINS

Sunday early games
Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins:  Trevor Siemian returns under center due to injuires to Brock Osweiller and Paxton Lynch.  He does not have the support of the coaching staff, though, and he knows that.  Will that inspire him to play well, or will he be dejected?  If he plays well, he might temporarily halt the Broncos skid, but I have to favor the home team here.  DOLPHINS

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens:  Joe Flacco has been an impressive passer this season, but he doesn't need to be in this game.  The Ravens will win on the strength of their defense alone. RAVENS

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans:  The Texans' crippled defense makes an easy target for the Titans, as Marcus Mariota continues to attempt to generate some momentum.  Tom Savage has been struggling to consistently propel the Texans offense, so things don't look good for Houston on either side of the ball.  TITANS

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars:  Speaking of struggling on both sides of the ball, that's a precise description of the Colts.  The Jaguars are already enjoying a phenomenal season, and pulverizing the Colts will continue that.  JAGUARS

Kansas City Chiefs at New York Jets:  While former Jets QB Geno Smith starts for the Giants this week, Bears washout QB Josh McCown leads the Jets against Alex Smith and a Chiefs team that has lost five of their last six games.  The Jets are confident, as the Chiefs seem puzzled by the source of their problems.  However, the Jets are not demonstrating prowess either, and this might be the perfect opponent to end the Chiefs' miseries.  CHIEFS

Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons:  This could be an exciting game.  Both teams have strong offenses, so defense may be the difference maker.  That swings the advantage to the Vikings.  VIKINGS

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills:  The Patriots have returned to their dominant ways, especially in the AFC East.  Move over, Bills.  PATRIOTS

San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears:  The 49ers have handed the baton to Jimmy Garrofalo.  He is still new to this system, so it may take him a couple of weeks to get comfortable.  Fortunately the 49ers picked the woeful Bears as his first opponent.  Obviously the coaching staff believes this is a great chance for Garrofalo to pick up a win.  They might, but I think the Bears QB Mitch Trubisky is starting to get comfortable, and that might be enough to push them past a rebuilding 49ers squad.  BEARS

Tampa Bay Bucs at Green Bay Packers:  Brett Huntley is starting to get his game together, but the defense of the Bucs may push him back a few stages.  If he continues his development, though, the Pack may win their first game since Aaron Rodgers went down.  BUCS

Sunday late games
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints:  The Saints winning streak was broken last week, but they almost come from behind.  This team has all the elements to advance to the Super Bowl again.  SAINTS

Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Chargers:  The Browns are looking for their first win.  Keep looking.  CHARGERS

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals:  Jared Goff is one of the most efficient and effective quarterbacks in the league this season.  Throw in the Rams defense, and this team is a powerhouse.  RAMS

New York Giants at Oakland Raiders:  The current Giants have been strangely quiet about the benching of Eli Manning, so we'll see on the field how much they support Geno Smith.  Somehow, I don't think he'll have a good game.  RAIDERS

Sunday night
Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks:  Home has not been as kind to the Seahawks this season as usual, and now they have to host the best team in the league.  There is no stopping the Eagles offense.  EAGLES

Monday Night Football
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals:  Andy Dalton's struggles make them a risky pick against nearly any opponent.  Against the surging Steelers, it seems highly unlikely they will get their offense rolling.  STEELERS