NFL Week 13 Predictions
Dallas vs Minnesota
The Cowboys are looking to secure home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs and head to cold Minnesota which suits them well because they love to run the football. The Vikings defense has been as advertised and should give the Cowboys offense a little trouble but it's the Vikings offense that will drop the ball. Cowboys 17 Vikings 13.
Miami vs Baltimore
The Dolphins are on that short list of teams that nobody wants to play right now and their balance on offense and a smothering defense has been the key. A true road test against a resilient Ravens will show them if they are ready for the playoffs. Flacco wants to put the pedal to the medal offensively but it's hard when he doesn't have great skill position players and the Ravens secondary is leaky. They can stop the run and get after the passer which will be the difference. Dolphins 15 Ravens 16.
Kansas City vs Atlanta
The Chiefs rebounded from their home lost two weeks ago vs the Buccs by going on the road and beating the defending Super Bowl champion Broncos. They found their pass rush and will need it as they take on the Falcons led by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. The Falcons defense will need to buckle down because the will try and run the football to keep the high powered Falcons offense off the field. Chiefs 27 Falcons 29.
Detroit vs New Orleans
The Lions are in sole possession of first place in the NFC North but face a tough road test vs the best scoring offense in football. Brees and company always play well at home and that forces Matt Stafford to have to score points. This quarterback battle should be fun to watch. The team that can avoid the big late turnover will win this game. Lions 27 Saints 33.
Los Angles vs New England
After being embarrassed last week vs the Saints the Rams defense will try and put together a big performance vs Tom Brady. The offense showed signs of life but that was against the Saints defense. Bill Belichick will be a different animal. The Patriots aren't as crisp offensively as they were just a month ago but expect Tom and Gronk to get it rolling again. Rams 9 Patriots 25.
Denver vs Jacksonville
People are starting to think the Broncos won't make the playoffs and a loss to the woeful Jags will be the straw that broke the camel's back. With games remaining vs the Titans, Patriots, Chiefs, and Raiders this is a must win for Denver. Jacksonville can start spoiling teams chances of making the playoffs this week and should play well but Denver's pass rush should be too much. Broncos 27 Jaguars 17.
Houston vs Green Bay
Brock Osweiler threw 3 picks last week vs San Diego and probably cost his team a victory. Their success starts and finishes with him and so far he hasn't delivered consistently. The Packers showed some grit Monday night in Philly and the pressure they put on Carson Wentz made a huge difference. If they can create pressure vs Osweiler they will win. Texans 17 Packers 22.
Philadelphia vs Cincinnati
This Eagles team has been better than expected and should finish around .500 but this week is crucial. Lose this game in Cincy and they probably wont win more than 7 games. The Bengals need to win if nothing more than to help Marvin Lewis keep his job. This has been a season to forget in Cincinnati but the future is still bright. Eagles 19 Bengals 17.
San Francisco vs Chicago
This is the game for the 2nd and 3rd picks in the draft so will teams play their best or tank for the higher pick? The Bears are home so they win. 49ers 18 Bears 22.
Buffalo vs Oakland
This is a game with a lot riding for both teams. Buffalo needs to win to stay in the wild card race and to prove they can beat a team with a winning record besides the Bradyless Patriots, while Oakland needs to win to keep the lead in the division and get a bye in the playoffs. Buffalo will keep you guessing offensively and Sammy Watkins should be even better after getting a game under his belt. The Raiders keep getting these great escapes but will their luck run out? Bills 30 Raiders 29.
New York Giants vs Pittsburgh
This is the game of the week. Both teams need to keep winning down the stretch and both need to figure out who they really are. The Giants haven't played a good team in over a month and have not looked good offensively during this current run. They haven't played an offense this good since the Saints in week 2 but the defense has picked up the offense's slack. Pittsburgh will force Eli to throw a pick or two and Bell and Brown will be too much for the Giants. Giants 27 Steelers 32.
Washington vs Arizona
DC left Dallas last week feeling like they should've won the game and with more confidence that they can play with anybody. Cousins and the offense will be tested vs the Cardinals but should perform well. Palmer and the Cardinals offense will need to get the ground game going and take advantage of the vulnerable DC secondary to have a chance. DC 27 Cardinals 25.
Tampa vs San Diego
Tampa missed the playoffs last season after losing 4 straight games to end the season and finish 6-10. They have already matched their win total from last season and again find themselves in position to make the post season. San Diego just keeps playing well and winning key games. They are 4-2 in their last six and looking to make it 5 of 7. Buccaneers 22 Chargers 19.
Carolina vs Seattle
The Panthers need to get out of their own way and start making plays on both sides of the ball late in games. This season has been a disaster and a trip to Seattle after the Seahawks were embarrassed in Tampa shouldn't be fun. The Seattle offense has to move on from last week and not allow that to play a role in this week's game. Russell Wilson should be motivated after the poor performance and Cam coming to town. Panthers 23 Seahawks 27.
Indianapolis vs New York Jets
Andruw Luck should be under center and that should result in a better offensive performance from the Colts. Last week they were stopped in the red zone twice and left without points and that shouldn't continue with Luck back. The Jets are sticking with Fitzpatrick but with the season lost they should move on to see what the other guys have. Colts 17 Jets 13.
Bye: Cleveland, Tennessee
