NFL Week 13 Preview

So, far in the NFL, it is apparent which Conference is dominant. Every team in the NFC playoff picture has a real shot at winning it all with a couple good teams in the hunt. The AFC has the Patriots and Steelers. This week the NFC's greatness will be on full display with 3 fantastic games. All of these games have a similar story line. One NFC division leader vs a Wild Card contender.

The Must See Games of the Week

#1 Panthers vs Saints

There is a good chance that the winner of this game will win the division. For quite a while, it felt like the Saints were going to run away with the South, but after their 8-game winning streak ended and the Panthers extended their's to 4 games, they stand at a tie. Now, the division is clearly up for grabs, especially with Atlanta lurking behind.

I have said before that the Saints are my NFC favorites, and they still are. There are a bunch of really good teams to choose from, but I like the veteran QB/Coach combo of Drew Brees and Sean Payton leading this team. The scariest part about this team is that Drew Brees isn't team's biggest weapon. The biggest weapon is the RB tandem of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. This is also the first time in a number of years that this defense has been decent.

When the Panthers are playing their best football, the are a better team than the Saints. They also have a great RB tandem in Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey. Their defense is fantastic. And Cam Newton can be a superstar. The problem is they are rarely in top form, particularly Newton. I know I say that every time I talk about Carolina, but it's because it's true. Consistency isn't in their vocabulary. That's why I don't see the Super Bowl in their near future. But that doesn't mean they can't win this game.

Like I said earlier, Carolina is better than New Orleans when they play their best. This is a team that just scored 35 points despite a terrible showing from Cam Newton. The Panthers have also seemed to play better on the road for the most part. I still like the Saints chances in the playoffs, but I think they fall short for the 2nd game in a row

Outcome: Panthers win 30-24

#2: Vikings vs Falcons

The Vikings may be the hottest team outside of "Wentzylvania". Minnesota has kept their winning streak going all the way to 7, and 6 of those wins have been by 7+ points. Most of the credit has gone to the defense, but the offense has been almost as good. It's hard to imagine how good this team could be without the major injuries of Bridgewater and Dalvin Cook. And I know Bridgewater is healthy know, but they are playing too good to change up their game This team is still a huge threat to have the first Super Bowl home-field advantage.

Atlanta was really hurting earlier in the year, but they are healing at just the right time. They are on a 3-game winning streak, and this offense has shown signs of last year's team. The Falcons reached 27+ points in all 3 games, a mark they haven't reached since week 3. One change that seems to have made a difference is the role change at RB. Coleman and Freeman usually split carries somewhat evenly, but Freeman was typically the lead man. However, Coleman has been getting the bulk of the touches the last 3 weeks, and it's working. The Falcons' play level has definitely caught up to teams like the Vikings, and they have one other thing that makes them a threat. Desperation.

The Falcons need every win they can get right now. They may currently be in the playoff picture, but with teams like the Seahawks and Lions not far behind, any loss hurts. The Vikings, although just one win better, don't have the same kind of pressure. A lot of teams thrive with their backs against the wall. I think the Falcons might be one of those teams.

Outcome: Falcons win 28-27

#3: Eagles vs Seahawks

There is no doubt that the Eagles are the best in the game right now. Not only are they a win above every other team, but they have won their last 3 by 28 points, and they have won by multiple scores in 7 games this season. When you look through this team, it is tough to find an area in which they don't excel. They are destroying everyone in their path. The only complaint I have is the fact that they haven't truly been tested. Only one of their wins came against a contender. I had similar comments about last year's Cowboys. However, the difference is the Cowboys pretty much squeaked their way to a 13-3 record. The Eagles have gotten here through pure annihilation.

I said before the year that Seattle isn't what they used to be. They may still be in playoff contention for a little while, but I really think their Championship days are over. Russell Wilson is a very good QB, but even the best can only do so much without a supporting cast. This defense hasn't slid a whole lot, but they are aging. And with age comes injury, as we have seen this season. Don't get me wrong, this team is still solid. With this game at home, they can make it interesting. But a win would be pretty far fetched.

Outcome: Eagles win 31-20

The Lesser Games of the Week

Redskins over Cowboys

Patriots over Bills

Bears over 49ers

Packers over Buccaneers

Titans over Texans

Broncos over Dolphins

Chiefs over Jets

Jaguars over Colts

Lions over Ravens

Chargers over Browns

Raiders over Giants

Rams over Cardinals

Steelers over Bengals