Week 13 NFL Picks.....

Week 13 picks (home team in CAPS)

Jets (-3) over BILLS
New York travels to Buffalo by way of Toronto for this AFC East matchup. While the Bills are looking for two in a row and divisional foes, look for the Jets to take full advantage of the Bills' last ranked run defense.

Broncos (-4 1/2) over CHIEFS
Kansas City has been a terrible destination for the Broncos in the past, but these aren't the same Chiefs. While this game has the feel of the Broncos trip to Washington a few weeks ago, expect the Broncos to have learned from that loss, and do what playoff contenders are supposed to do, and that is beat the team they should beat.

STEELERS (-13 1/2) over Raiders
Looks like Ben Roethlisberger will be in the lineup for Pittsburgh, but even if he isn’t able to play, look for an angry defending champion and the perfect opponent on the field for them this Sunday. An Oakland team traveling cross country should help to get the Steelers back on their winning ways.

Texans (pick 'em) over JAGUARS
This game is a pick 'em, and I can see why. After looking at this all ways, I can't figure out who has an advantage. The Texans have lost 3 straight that were within their grasp, including two to the Colts. Meanwhile, Jacksonville laid an egg last week in their loss to San Francisco. Look for Houston to rebound from this tough stretch.

Titans (+6 1/2) over COLTS
Everybody and their mother are picking the Titans to pull the upset after their comeback win over Arizona last Sunday, and I'll jump on the same bandwagon, but for a different reason. While most are talking about Vince Young and "the drive", I think it will be Chris Johnson and the improved Titan defense which keeps it close, and may allow for the victory.

Eagles (-4 1/2) over FALCONS
Although Chris Redman led the Falcons to last weeks victory in relief of injured Matt Ryan, it was against the Tampa Bay. This week it is an Eagle team looking to get on a roll toward the playoffs. Donovan McNabb will possibly be without DeSean Jackson, but they will have enough offense and the Philadelphia defense will harass Redman, all in leading to an Eagle win.

BENGALS (-12 1/2) over Lions
Larry Johnson contributing last week was a boost for the team. Cincinnati with a virtual three game lead over Pittsburgh and Baltimore and they can see the divisional title in their sights. Plus the Bengals are still in a fight with San Diego for the second seed in the AFC. Big home win putting them closer to both goals.

REDSKINS (+9 1/2) over Saints
The "trap" or "letdown" game for the Saints after their emotional Monday Night against the Patriots. New Orleans, even on a letdown, is the better team, but the Redskin defense and offensive rushing attack will keep this close. Plus Washington seems to be an overall improved team these last few games.

PANTHERS (-6 1/2) over Bucs
Will the Panthers' coaching staff realize that they have to run the ball to be a good team? Last week against the Jets, Carolina decided that passing was the way to go, and Jake Delhomme had 4 interceptions and a broken finger. Matt Moore makes his first start since 2007, so expect large doses of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams (if healthy) running at that Tampa Bay defense.

Patriots (-5) over DOLPHINS
Miami missed a golden opportunity to keep pace with New England in the standings in their loss to Buffalo last Sunday. Then when you factor in the Patriot loss to New Orleans, the loss is a double shot to the gut. New England is on the short week, plus traveling, but they will overcome those obstacles and take care of the Dolphins, who might still be thinking about "what could have been". Look for Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker to again take advantage of the Miami rookie corners, just like they did in their initial match up of the season.

Rams (+9) over BEARS
Drama in Chicago between the star quarterback (Jay Cutler) a defensive leader (Brian Urlacher), or is there? In the end, it does not matter. This is a team that can't play defense, lost its running game, and can't find a "go to" receiver. The Bears are the better team, but Steven Jackson helps the Rams keep it close.

Chargers (-12 1/2) over BROWNS
Six wins in a row for the Chargers, and they are now looking like the team everyone has expected them to be at the start of the season. Still not convinced the running game is back, and the defense does not play the run well, but Philip Rivers and the passing game are churning on all cylinders. Unless there is a snowstorm that stalls the San Diego bus, look for an offensive show by the Chargers over the Browns defense.

49ers (pick 'em) over SEAHAWKS
The 49ers need this win, and the Vikings to defeat the Cardinals in the Sunday night game to make next week's game against those Cardinals for the NFC West lead. San Francisco is the better team and has been playing well, and they should keep that good play going in Seattle. Alex Smith is quietly doing a nice job since taking over the quarterback reigns.

GIANTS (+2) over Cowboys
I probably need my head examined after that debacle the Giants had in Denver on Thanksgiving night, but this is as much a pick for New York as it is a pick against Dallas. Even though they are 2-1 the last three weeks, Dallas still must show they are the force of the NFC East, and I'm not sure that they are that force. Add in that Dallas seems to be grasping for motivation, and it adds up to a New York win, a very tight NFC East.

CARDINALS (+4) over Vikings
Everything points to the Vikings keeping their roll going, even if traveling to Arizona. The Adrian Peterson driving incident (109mph in a 55mph zone) shouldn't be a distraction to the team. I just have a feeling the Cardinals with their wideouts, and the threat of a running game with be able to move the ball against the Minnesota defense. If Kurt Warner can't go, and Matt Leinart starts, switch this and go with the Vikings.

PACKERS (-3) over Ravens
Three wins in a row for Green Bay since the Tampa Bay loss, and they are now the NFC wildcard leader. The Ravens are coming off the tough win over the Steelers, but still don't seem right. Look for Aaron Rodgers to find Greg Jennings and Donald Driver for some big plays against the Baltimore secondary, while he Packer defense keeps Joe Flacco and the Raven offense in check.


Week 12 record (6-10)
2009 season (45-40-1)