Week 13 NFL Picks

Last week I went 8-6, which I will attribute to a Thanksgiving night Jets game.  My year to date total is 100-73, but have no fear I am ready to make my late season run.  Here are my picks for week 13.

Saints over the Bengals- The Saints are starting to roll while Cincy is already looking forward to next year.  For the record I would keep T.O. over Ochocinco. Saints 31-17

Bears over the Lions- The Lions are putting a scare into most teams they play, but the Bears are starting to streak.  This could end up being a high scoring game. Bears 28-21

Packers over the 49ers- Was nice to see Brian Westbrook break out last week, to only see him get hurt.  I think the 49ers are walking into a hornet’s next this week.  Packers 31-10

Chiefs over the Broncos- The Chiefs all-star coaching staff has this team playing at a very high level.  If Tebow is the answer in Denver what exactly is the question?  Chiefs 21-17

Browns over the Dolphins- Going for the upset here as the Browns have played their AFC East opponents very tough.  Eric Mangini may be saving his job after all.  Browns 20-17

Vikings over the Bills- This could very well be Brett Favre’s last huge passing performance.  Enjoy it while it lasts.  Viking 34-21

Giants over the Redskins- One of the best NFC rivalries has taken the backseat to the marquee AFC match-ups.  This should be a very physical game and I expect Big Blue’s running game to be the difference.  Giants 20-10

Titans over the Jaguars- If Tennessee can get anything from the quarterback position they should be able to pull out this game.  Jacksonville is playing well, but just not a believer in their defense.  Titans 17-13

Chargers over the Raiders- Really wanted to take Oakland here but San Diego is playing very well on both sides of the ball.  A loss here for the Bolts could really cause some problems for their late season playoff run.  Chargers 23-17

Rams over the Cardinals- Arizona is a complete mess especially on the defensive side of the ball where tackling is optional. Don’t look now but St. Louis could be a playoff team.  Rams 21-9

Colts over the Cowboys- When was the last time you saw Peyton Manning have back to back poor performances? I expect a big time performance out of  Manning and Co. on Sunday.  Colts 35-17

Seahawks over the Panthers- A team with nothing to play for traveling across the country to play in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.  Should I say more?  Seahawks 28-13

Falcons over the Buccaneers- Atlanta may be the best team in the NFC and a win in Tampa could solidify that spot.  Could Matt Ryan emerge as an MVP candidate?  Falcons 24-21

Ravens over the Steelers- One of the most heated rivalries in the NFL, this game should be a great, physical battle.  Big Ben’s injured ankle is a concern, especially against a swarming Baltimore defense. In the end have to take the home team.  Ravens 21-20

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

Does it get any bigger than this for Gang Green? The game is on Monday Night Football with the winner taking over first place in the AFC East and retaining the best record in the NFL.  This game has tons of storylines:  Can the Jets slow down Brady? Will Danny Woodhead come back to haunt his old team? Can Mark Sanchez win at Foxboro? To find out these answers and more check out my game preview on Monday.

Tyson Rauch

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