NFL Week 13 Game Picks: Saints-Seahawks Thriller
By Erik Lambert
Jan 30, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees joined Louisiana state treasurer John Kennedy in a high energy game of financial football between the two teams made up of local high school students at the New Orleans convention center. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
A lot is on the line for so many teams in week 13. Which ones can win their NFL matchup to further their goals?
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
This would be easier if Aaron Rodgers were starting, but Matt Flynn is in for the Green Bay Packers. The Detroit Lions are always tough at home.
Result: GB 23, DET 27
Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys
A big win in New York has provided some momentum for the Dallas Cowboys while the despondent Oakland Raiders face the reality of losing their last real chance at a playoff spot.
Result: OAK 24, DAL 34
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
One of the best rivalries in the NFL and it has major playoff implications. Ben Roethlisberger is red hot for the Pittsburgh Steelers but he goes into a stadium where the Baltimore Ravens are very hard to score on.
Result: PIT 17, BAL 21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Two streaking teams with quarterbacks and defenses playing very well. The Carolina Panthers have the edge with home field but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have proven themselves good on the road.
Result: TB 14, CAR 17
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns
The Forgotten Bowl. Anybody who watches this game deserve what they get. The Cleveland Browns have the offensive edge over the Jacksonville Jaguars in a defensive matchup.
Result: JAC 7, CLE 14
New England Patriots at Houston Texans
Tom Brady has a track record for showing no mercy to his opponents, regardless of their troubles. The Houston Texans are in for a long day.
Result: NE 49, HOU 20
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
A game with much higher stakes than their first meeting. The Tennessee Titans hope to return the favor to a reeling Indianapolis Colts team by beating them in their home stadium.
Result: TEN 26, IND 20
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
All the talk will center around one thing: how bad will the Chicago Bears get gashed by Adrian Peterson? Track record says it could get ugly. The Minnesota Vikings will certainly try to make that so.
Result: CHI 24, MIN 30
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
It’s far too late for either team to catch the Patriots but there is still time to rescue a wild card spot. Thankfully the Miami Dolphins don’t have Geno Smith to worry about like the New York Jets do.
Result: MIA 21, NYJ 12
Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles
Two hot offenses will meet in this underrated game, but the Arizona Cardinals should prove to have an edge over the Philadelphia Eagles due to a much better defense.
Result: ARI 31, PHI 21
Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills
Matt Ryan has done everything possible to keep the Atlanta Falcons afloat but he can’t expect to beat an improving Buffalo Bills team on their home field.
Result: ATL 16, BUF 24
St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Colin Kaepernick and the rest of the San Francisco 49ers will see a different St. Louis Rams team visiting this week. That doesn’t mean the results from their first meeting will change.
Result: STL 23, SF 30
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Grudge match time. The Denver Broncos will see if Peyton Manning is worth anything in cold weather while the Kansas City Chiefs try to get back in the home field advantage picture.
Result: DEN 35, KC 28
Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers
Philip Rivers has hatched more than few surprises for the San Diego Chargers in 2013. Could he pull off one more against the AFC power Cincinnati Bengals? He can, but probably won’t.
Result: CIN 27, SD 26
New York Giants at Washington Redskins
Two teams that made their runs a little too late. The New York Giants come to grips with their failed rally while the Washington Redskins try to keep Robert Griffin III alive.
Result: NYG 20, WSH 13
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks
The marquee matchup of the week, the New Orleans Saints take aim at stealing home field advantage away from the Seattle Seahawks. Drew Brees must contend with the crowd noise while Russell Wilson faces a fierce Saints pass rush.
Result: NO 34, SEA 35