Week 13 brings us many good NFL rivalries and divisional match-ups. The results will certainly factor into the division standings and ultimately playoff seeding. The Redskins will be facing the New York Giants in a must-win game situation. The Broncos will head to Kansas City for another entertaining showdown. Matt Cassel threw for 469 yards in a loss when these two teams met a few weeks ago. Chicago will hit the road to face the Lions in a rematch from Week 1 in which the Bears escaped with a victory. The Raiders look to salvage their season on the road in San Diego, but I am sure the Chargers have other plans. The Falcons will take their NFC-leading record into Tampa Bay to take on the surprising Buccaneers. There will be an intense Sunday night showdown between the Ravens and Steelers. Baltimore will look to sweep Pittsburgh for the first time since 2006. The game of the week is on Monday night as the Patriots host the Jets.
Thursday, December 2nd
Houston (5-6) @ Philadelphia (7-4)
The Eagles are coming off a loss to the Bears, while the Texans shut out the Titans. Both teams can light up the scoreboard, but the Eagles play better defense and are at home. Michael Vick should have a field day.
Prediction: Philadelphia 34, Houston 20
Sunday, December 5th
Washington (5-6) @ New York Giants (7-4)
The Redskins view this as a must-win game, as a loss would likely end their season. The Giants need a victory to keep up with the Eagles and other potential wild card teams. Eli Manning should have a big day even without Hakeem Nicks, as the Redskins feature the worst defense in the NFL in terms of yards allowed.
Prediction: New York Giants 27, Washington 17
Denver (3-8) @ Kansas City (7-4)
The Chiefs are 5-0 at home and Denver is on a two-game losing streak. The Broncos crushed the Chiefs a few weeks back, but it’ll be different this time around. The tandem of Charles and Jones will have a lot of success.
Prediction: Kansas City 31, Denver 23
Jacksonville (6-5) @ Tennessee (5-6)
While these teams are separated by just one game, they’re heading in different directions. The Titans have lost four in a row, and that’ll likely continue as the Jaguars are playing pretty good football. Randy Moss has been nonexistent since he was claimed off waivers. I don’t think it matters much in terms of who starts for the Titans.
Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Tennessee 20
San Francisco (4-7) @ Green Bay (7-4)
The 49ers are awful on the road and the Packers are very tough at home. Both teams can play good defense, but the Packers’ offense is much more explosive.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, San Francisco 13
Cleveland (4-7) @ Miami (6-5)
Neither team has impressed this year, but the Dolphins are the better team, even though they have problems winning at home. I think Miami has some confidence after beating the Raiders the way they did.
Prediction: Miami 23, Cleveland 17
Buffalo (2-9) @ Minnesota (4-7)
The Bills have been playing well lately. They gave away their latest game against the Steelers. The Vikings won their first road game of the season in a win over Washington. Buffalo has problems stopping the run, which will be the difference in this game.
Prediction: Minnesota 24, Buffalo 16
Chicago (8-3) @ Detroit (2-9)
The Bears are coming off a big win over the Eagles, while the Lions were smoked by the Patriots. The Lions are in trouble with the quarterback situation, and the Bears will look to shut down Calvin Johnson. This game could get ugly fast.
Prediction: Chicago 30, Detroit 13
New Orleans (8-3) @ Cincinnati (2-9)
This game is a complete mismatch. The Saints will do pretty much whatever they want offensively. The Bengals will move the football as usual, but they’re not disciplined enough to stay competitive throughout an entire game.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, Cincinnati 17
Oakland (5-6) @ San Diego (6-5)
Oakland’s season is on the line here, and the Chargers might be the hottest team in the NFL. San Diego has the best offense and defense from a total yardage standpoint. Oakland has problems winning on the road, and the Chargers are one of the best home teams in the NFL.
Prediction: San Diego 31, Oakland 12
Carolina (1-10) @ Seattle (5-6)
Both of these teams are awful, but Seattle is the better of the two. The Panthers have lost five in a row and are winless on the road. The Seahawks will get the job done this week and get back to .500.
Prediction: Seattle 23, Carolina 13
Atlanta (9-2) @ Tampa Bay (7-4)
The Falcons are coming off an impressive win over the Packers, and the Bucs lost a tough road game against the Ravens. The bottom line is, the Bucs haven’t beaten anyone with a winning record and can’t stop the run.
Prediction: Atlanta 30, Tampa Bay 17
St. Louis (5-6) @ Arizona (3-8)
The Cardinals have lost six in a row and are having problems scoring points. Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson should feast on the bad Cardinals defense.
Prediction: St. Louis 27, Arizona 17
Dallas (3-8) @ Indianapolis (6-5)
Both of these teams have been disappointments to this point. The Cowboys are out of the playoff picture, but the Colts are still in the running to win their division. Both teams can put points on the board, but Dallas can’t run the football, which suits Indianapolis just fine. Peyton Manning should have an easy time eclipsing 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Prediction: Indianapolis 34, Dallas 23
Pittsburgh (8-3) @ Baltimore (8-3)
This will be a great game to watch! Both teams play solid defense and each can put some points on the board. At the end of the day, my money is on Ben Roethlisberger in this match-up.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, Baltimore 20
Monday, December 6th
New York Jets (9-2) @ New England (9-2)
This is the game of the week and will likely determine the division winner along with home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Jets won in the Week 2 meeting, just like last year. The Patriots crushed the Jets last year at Gillette. I expect much of the same this time around. Lately, the Jets have been skating by mediocre teams while the Patriots beat up on the Steelers and Colts.
Prediction: New England 31, New York Jets 20
