Week 13 NFL Predictions

Green Bay at Dallas
Line: Cowboys by 7
There were two games of real significance thus far, and they were Cowboys-Patriots and Colts-Patriots. This matchup, however, could be the decisive factor in who gets home field advantage in the NFC. In a dream matchup of QB's between Brett Favre and Tony Romo, Green Bay actually seems to match up pretty favorably with Dallas, as they'll be able to spread the field out and attack the secondary provided they can contain the 'Boys defensive front. While Romo and Dallas will be game, you can never bet against a legend like Favre, his 0-8 record in Texas Stadium nonwithstanding. Packers 28, Cowboys 24

San Francisco at Carolina
Line: Panthers by 3
Now back to the games that matter much less. It was good to see the Niners finally show some signs of life on offense against the Cardinals. But a repeat effort? I've been down on Carolina all year, but until I see the Niners string together two consistent offensive performances, I'll go with, yes, even the Panthers. Panthers 17, 49ers 13

Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Line: Colts by 7
Another game of significant importance in the AFC South, the toughest division in football hands down. The Jags have been playing at a high level the past three weeks and are more than capable of turning this game into a slugfest. Indy is slowly healing, but unless their entire offensive line is intact, they'll have problems moving the ball against Jacksonville. Colts 17, Jaguars 14

Detroit at Minnesota
Line: Vikings by 3.5
Three straight losses have brought the Lions back to earth after a 6-2 start. Meanwhile, the Vikings have somehow stumbled back in the NFC Playoff race after a 41-17 shellacking of the Giants. Now, they've got their rookie sensation possibly coming back, and that could be enough to spark them to a victory and back to .500 in the suddenly-crowded NFC North. Vikings 24, Lions 17

San Diego at Kansas City
Line: Chargers by 5
As badly as the Chiefs have played the last few weeks, and they've been pretty horrid, I can't trust a streaky San Diego offense in potentially horrible weather. Norv's offense can't move when the sun is shining anyways. Chargers 19, Chiefs 17

New York Jets at Miami
Line: Dolphins by 1.5
Last week, it took the worst weather imaginable and an unplayable field to get a 3-0 game. This week, these two anemic offenses may accomplish that on their own without bad weather. Dolphins 3, Jets 0

Buffalo at Washington
Line: Redskins by 6
R.I.P. Sean Taylor. It's tragic to see such an amazingly talented player get taken out in the prime of his life. I'll always remember the colossal hits and the reckless effort and intensity he brought every Sunday. Now those traits are only memories after his life was taken from him by a gunshot on that fateful evening of November 25, 2007. For such a catastrophic event to take place now almost seems to trivialize the 3-game losing streak the Redskins have been on. They may win on Sunday, but ultimately, the team still must work together to overcome the huge void he leaves behind. Redskins 24, Bills 14

Houston at Tennessee
Line: Titans by 3.5
Think Vince is tired of taking the blame for his team's struggles? Now he has a chance to take out his frustaurations on the team that never should have passed him up. *tsk* *tsk* *tsk* how you disappoint me Texans! I thought you were a sleeper this year! Titans 17, Texans 10

Atlanta at St. Louis
Line: Rams by 4.5
Remember when this game was entertaining, back when Michael Vick and Marshall Faulk were playing? Is there even a reason to watch this now? Rams 13, Falcons 10

Seattle at Philadelphia
Line: Eagles by 3
The Eagles' close loss to the Patriots was no fluke, as they've shown a marked improvement in the last three weeks with Brian Westbrook transforming into SuperBack and carrying the team on his shoulders. Seattle is a hit-or-miss team that seems to fold in the face of prosperity, so I'll go with an Eagles team that seems to be coming together at the right time. Eagles 20, Seahawks 14

Cleveland at Arizona
Line: Cardinals by 1
Cleveland is emerging as the true surprise team in the NFL and their amazing trio of JLew, Winslow and Edwards continue to leave their mark on opposing defenses. This seems like a trap game, but not if the Browns continue to run the football, as they did last week against the Texans. Browns 31, Cardinals 21

Denver at Oakland
Line: Broncos by 3.5
Denver has to be asking itself how they let the Chicago game get away, but they should clean up against the annual divisional anchor, the Oakland Raiders. I said anchor becuase I get tired of writers referring to the last place team as a "doormat." Anchor just sounds better to me. Broncos 27, Raiders 20

Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Line: Saints by 3
Tampa's D has been rock solid all year and the Saints have been up-and-down. Meanwhile, the Saints will once again get worked over on the ground, thanks in large part to one of my key contributors, Earnest Graham. Buccaneers 21, Saints 13

New York Giants at Chicago
Line: Giants by 2
The Giants' disturbing loss to the Vikings could have a lingering effect, as they may head into a late-season swoon again if Eli underperforms down the stretch. They're going to have enough trouble beating a desperate Bears team in horrible weather. Bears 16, Giants 13

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Line: Steelers by 7
One thing is evident from watching the last two Steeler games: they are having problems on the offensive line. They're not running the ball the way we're used to and are relying entirely too much on Roethlisberger. Cincinnati's defense has also shown signs of life recently and their offense is finally coming together, so Pittsburgh could be in for a dogfight. Steelers 27, Bengals 24

New England at Baltimore
Line: Patriots by 20.5
Did the Eagles finally get the blueprint for beating the Patriots or did New England just play their worst game of the season? I'll give New England the benefit of the doubt, after all, hearing all this negativity from the media should be enough to motivate them back to their A-game against the Ravens. Patriots 38, Ravens 10

Week 12 vs Spread 10-6
Week 12 Straight up 11-5
Season vs Spread 85-86-9
Season Straight up 113-63