The Gift That Keeps On Giving: NFL Week 13 Picks

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving holidayay. I know I did except I really didn’t feel like I ate enough for the holiday. I also didn’t pay as much attention to the Thanksgiving matchups like I normally do (and by that I mean Lions/Packers) although the last half Steelers/Ravens was still a classic even as both teams stink this season. The Packers are done while the Detroit Lions (at least for 1 week) saved their season. I kind of sorta, not really trust theDallas Cowboys but December is next week and we know how the city of Dallas and the Cowboys get down this time of year. Anyway on to a very important Week 13 in the National Football League

**HOME TEAM IN BOLD**


CHIEFS (+5) over Broncos

The scene now takes us 2 weeks later to the 2nd loudest stadium in the NFL at Arrowhead where both teams come into this game losing heartbreakers the week before. Kansas City’s offense seem to be showing some life as of late but their defensive productivity has gone the opposite direction by the same token. The Broncos high-powered offense has actually looked humanly average the last few weeks. I really like KC in this spot here and not just with the points but I think they can pull this one off carving some questions in Denver.


Jaguars (+7) over BROWNS

Jags have played better in the recent weeks. Doesn’t make this game anymore watchable.


Bucs (+8) over PANTHERS

Tampa Bay have now been anointed as the team no one wants to play the remainder of 2013. They are the quentissential “bad team” that’s really better than their record indicates. Just took them 2 months to figure things out. I’d actually feel comfortable taking the Bucs in a 5 team parlay with the points. For one it’s a divisional game and as well as Cam’s Panthers are playing, I’m still waiting for the let down performance to happen and this game has all the makings of it. Still like Carolina to win it but the Bucs will keep this one competitive.


Bears (+1) over VIKINGS

A must win for the Bears especially since Detroit took care of business on Thanksgiving. The Josh McCown era continues.


CARDINALS (+3) over Eagles

Just because Philly snapped that 10 game home losing streak a few weeks back, doesn’t mean I trust them in this spot. They’ve taking advantage of a real soft schedule in the last month to get back into the NFC East race. I expect a much improved Arizona team to give Nick Foles more problems than he’s faced all season. And if Carson Palmer continues to play at a high level as he has in the last 2 weeks, look out…..


JETS (-2) over Dolphins

Two teams you should never trust again. Waiting for the good Geno Smith to show up in a game again which now seems like months ago. The Fins historically play the Jets well on the road so it won’t be entirely shocking if they steal one in this spot but I honestly see the Jets defense playing big here in this spot. Of course I’m not foolish enough to bet this game.


BILLS (-3) over Falcons

ATL (much likes Houston) has also in the Clowney/Bridgewater sweepstakes. Might as well get into tank mode.


49ERS (-8.5) over Rams

Michael Crabtree is back this week. Niners offense looks like it’s starting to click again. I think everyone is going to see a better Colin Kaepernick‘s these next 5 weeks even with the stout St. Louis defense coming town. Even at 7-4 I’m not totally off the Niners bandwagon just yet. I still think right now they are the 2nd best team in the NFC and they are a few bounces away from being right next to Seattle in the NFC West race.


Patriots (-7.5) over TEXANS

If you looked at the schedule back in August you would’ve assumed New England/Houston would’ve garnered Game Of The Week honors. Not so much anymore as the Texans season has turned into an absolute nightmare. Meanwhile Brady/Belichick after their “slow start” to the season are slowly positioning themselves for a run at the top seed in the AFC. Not a good sign for Houston who’s lost 9 straight. I feel strange taking the Pats to cover 7 and a half points on the road but folks its official…..HOUSTON IS THAT BAD!!! Love the Patriots in this spot.


Giants (-1) over REDSKINS

​Depressing NFC East battle for cellar supremacy. If I wasn’t a Giants fan I probably wouldn’t care about this game. In fact Sunday Night Football games unless it’s the G-Men or a must see TV match up, are already hard enough for me to watch (OLD AGE SETTLING IN) but there are some interesting story-lines to watch here…mainly on the Washington side. Will RG3 leave some juicy post game soundbites in another losing cause? The Shanahan’s horrific playcalling which you know Cris Collinsworth will make no bones to point out. We’ll see if someone blows a gasket on national TV. Odds are Tom Coughlin might do just that by default. For the record the NFL did not flex this game for only god knows why. Going with the homer pick here.


SEAHAWKS (-5) over Saints

Game of the week and considerably may be the game of the year. Russell Wilson hasn’t lost at home since….well ever. Seattle’s healthy at the right time. New Orleans is extremely vulnerable on the road. This is a bad combo for Drew Brees and company here. Plus the ‘Hawks coming off a bye week. I can’t see Seattle winning by anything less than 7 points. Also last time New Orleans visited Seattle, THIS happened….