NFL Week 13 – ….and down the stretch they come!!

Last Week’s Results: 10-5

Season to Date: 101-74

This week will be an interesting week of matchups designed to set up this year’s playoffs. three quarters of the league’s teams have a chance to make the next round. The games start on Thursday with an important divisional matchup.

As for our picks, there was one pick that wasn’t registered last week. In the 49ers/Rams game, I had the Rams winning, 24-12 (They won, 20-17).

Here are our picks for this week!

Thursday, November 30th, 2006

Baltimore @ Cincinnati (3) – The Ravens come into this game in sole possession of first place in the AFC North after making a statement in their 27-0 victory over the Pittsburgh last weekend. This is a big game for the Bengals. They must win to stay in the playoff hunt. This might be one game they can win. However, they must play a mistake-free game.

Prediction – Cincinnati (24-17)

Sunday, December 3rd, 2006

San Francisco @ New Orleans (7) – In a surprise many thought would not happen, both teams are in playoff contention. The Niners are 5-6 with a chance for a wild card. The Saints can continue their great play this season with a victory and to continue putting pressure on Carolina. Look for a tough running game on both sides.

Prediction – New Orleans (17-14)

San Diego (6) @ Buffalo – The “Super” Chargers continue to turn on their electricity on the competition. This time, they travel to Western New York, where they will take on a Bills team that continues to win at the right time. The biggest factor will be the weather. If it gets cold this weekend, the Chargers are in trouble. They don’t do well in cold weather games.

Prediction – San Diego (23-12)

NY Jets (2) @ Green Bay – The Jets have been playing in spurts with inconsistencies during each game. They’ll need to kick it up a notch against the Packers, who are losers of 3 out of 4 games. Brett Favre continues to play well, in spite of a weak offense (14 TD’s this season). Look for a defensive game for Favre to overcome.

Prediction – NY Jets (14-10)

Minnesota @ Chicago (9½) – Everyone is calling for a QB change in Chicago. The Bears were given plenty of chances against New England, but the play of Rex Grossman did them in. They can’t let a little speed bump get in the way of their success. Grossman is their leader and he needs to play through this rough stretch. Minnesota comes at the right time.

Prediction – Chicago (26-14)

Kansas City (5) @ Cleveland – The Chiefs will have to do business without RB Priest Holmes, who was officially placed on Injured Reserve this week. The big victory over Denver put them in position for a home wild card game. Browns are reeling after a shutout home loss to the Bengals. Look for RB Larry Johnson to come up big!

Prediction – Kansas City (27-10)

Indianapolis (7) @ Tennessee – Last weekend’s comeback victory by the Titans was a confidence booster for Vince Young. He gained valuable come-from-behind experience in the last 14 minutes against the Giants. They’ll have to bring it together against the Colts, who found their offense against the Eagles last Sunday. This might be a let down for the Titans.

Prediction – Indianapolis (21-19)

Detroit @ New England (13½) – The Patriots did everything wrong against the Bears last weekend and still won the game. This Sunday, they take on a Lions team that is bruised and beaten. They’re winless on the road and I don’t see anything different happening.

Prediction – New England, big (45-7)

Atlanta @ Washington (2) – Which Michael Vick will show up this weekend? The running QB, who gained over 100 yards last weekend, or the throwing QB who threw for less than 40% percent completions against the Saints? The Falcons need the complete package in order to be successful in Washington this weekend.

Prediction – Washington (21-14)

Arizona @ St. Louis (6½) – The Cardinals came up short against the Vikings last Sunday. The losing ways will continue against the Rams, who will find their passing game retuning.

Prediction – St. Louis (35-10)

Jacksonville @ Miami (1½) – Since their shocking upset victory over the Bears, the Dolphins have won four straight games. They’ll take on a Jaguars team, who suffered a tough defeat against Buffalo last weekend. The one thing that helps the Dolphins is the Jaguars injury problems. Look for a close game.

Prediction – Miami (17-13)

Houston @ Oakland (3) – For the first time this season, the Raiders are favored to win. The changing of the Raiders’ offensive coordinator may be a step up in the right direction. The Texans are coming off a rough loss against the Jets last weekend. Look for a defensive struggle from both teams.

Prediction – Oakland (12-10)

Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh (7½) – This is a tale of two teams who were supposed to contend for the Super Bowl title this season. Instead, they’re contending for position in next year’s NFL draft. Look for the Steelers to try and salvage their season.

Prediction – Pittsburgh (24-13)

Dallas (3½) @ NY Giants – The Giants were beaten, bruised, battered, exploited and humiliated last Sunday against Tennessee. (Read my previous article!) They need to be ready for the Cowboys because if they aren’t, it’s bye, bye playoffs! Tony Romo is flying high after replacing Drew Bledsoe (13 TD’s in 4 games!). However, he is vulnerable!

Prediction – NY Giants (24-21)

Seattle @ Denver (3) – One thing’s for sure, the Seahawks can play in the snow. They won’t have a problem if is snows in Denver this weekend. The one problem will be trying to score against the Broncos’ defense. Look for an offensive struggle with new QB Jay Cutler replacing Jake Plummer.

Prediction – Seattle (18-13)

Monday, December 4th, 2006

Carolina (3) @ Philadelphia – Eagles QB Donovan McNabb had surgery on his torn ACL this week and doctors say he may need at least a year to recover. That’s bad news and they will have to deal with finding another offensive scheme. Meanwhile they’ll have to take on a resurging Panthers team that has recovered from it’s early year swoon. Look for growing pains on the Philly sidelines.

Prediction – Carolina (25-12)