My Football Picks for Week 13

Thursday Night Game 8:15

• Packers @ Cowboys - Cowboys

 

Sunday Games 1pm eastern

• Chargers @ Chiefs - Chargers
• 49ers @ Panthers - 49ers
• Falcons @ Rams - Rams 
• Jaguars @ Colts - Colts 
• Seahawks @ Eagles - Eagles 
• Jets @ Dolphins - Dolphins 
• Bills @ Redskins - Bills* 
• Lions @ Vikings - Vikings 
• Texans @ Titans - Texans

 

Sunday Games 4ish eastern

• Broncos @ Raiders - Broncos 
• Browns @ Cardinals - Browns
• Giants @ Bears - Bears
• Buccaneers @ Saints - Buccaneers

 

Sunday Night Game 8:15 eastern

• Bengals @ Steelers - Steelers

 

Monday Night Game 8:30

• Patriots @ Ravens - Patriots

Sorry, Packer Backers, I just think the Cowboys are a stronger team.  They have more "points for", more touchdowns, and they've not lost at home, nor to a conference rival.  The Chargers have a stronger record than the Chiefs.  The Panthers/49ers game was tough to call.  I went with the 49ers because the Panthers haven't won any of their last 5 games and haven't managed to get more than 17 pts on the board.  The 49ers haven't done much better, but their 37-31 win last week over the Cardinals gives them a bit of an edge to me.  Not much though.  I think it will be a close game.  Same thing with the Falcons/Rams game.  The Rams are 2-4 on the road, while the Falcons are 1-4 at home.  Plus, the Rams are slightly higher on the "points for."  That's why I went with them.  I picked the Colts because they're the Colts and they whupped the Jags last time they played (wk 7) in Jacksonville.  This time the Colts are at home, and the Colts are 3-0 in their division.  Okay, even though the Seahawks have a better record, they are also in a much weaker division, and I think the Eagles are stronger - they've beaten stronger teams than the Seahawks have; that's why I pick them.   The Jets/Dolphins game was actually a tough pick.  They are my least favorite teams.  As division rivals for My Beloved Patriots, I'd like them both to lose.  And personally, I'm so sick of hearing about the '72 team that I really want them to go 0-16 this year.  (Tell me, do you want to be still hearing about the '07 Pats in 35 years?  I probably will, but you?)  But I think if the Dolphins are going to win a game this year, this might be it.  While both teams are pretty much the same in terms of "points for" and net points, the Dolphins have actually made a couple more touchdowns.  The only teams that the Jets have beaten this year were the Dolphins and an extremely weakened Steelers.  I think the Dolphins have nothing to lose, and no reason not to go after the Jets for all they're worth.  (This is why they scare me when they play the Pats next month)  Plus, the Jets only beat the Dolphins by a field goal.  I don't think the Dolphins will let that happen again.  I think this will be another tight game.   I picked the Vikings because the Lions have lost their last 3 games and the Vikings have won their last 2.  And if the Vikings win they'll be tied for 2nd in their division.  Texans over Titans because of each teams last 3 games, the Texans have won 2, Titans 0. 

For my late afternoon games, I just thought I'd go with the "B" theme.  ;)  Seriously, I picked the Broncos because they have a better record and I think they want to avenge themselves for last weeks loss against the Bears.  The Browns have a better record than the Cardinals.  Bears over Giants because the Giants just seem to have lost something to me.  And Eli, YOUR team wears red, white, and blue.  The Bears do NOT.  Do NOT throw to the team with the big C on their helmets Eli, okay?  Oh, and to the Giants players who kick?  DO NOT KICK TO HESTER.  That's a message from the Broncos.  I went with the Bucs over the Saints because I think the Bucs are a better team.  Sunday night, I think the 8-3 Steelers will beat the 4-7 Bengals.  The Steelers will hold on to their division lead, the Browns are too close.  Monday, Patriots.  Period.  

*Regarding the Bills/Redskins game - First of all, my most sincere thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, loved ones, and teammates of Sean Taylor.  I pray that you will find comfort and strength during this awful time of grief.  I also pray that law enforcement finds the one responsible for this awful crime and brings them to justice.  No one deserves to be gunned down in the security and safety of their own home in the middle of the night.  Sean Taylor will be remembered as a skilled player.  I am sure he will mostly be remembered as a loving father, son, and loved one.  

Because of the shocking and tragic death of Sean Taylor this week, I'm not sure how to pick the Bills/Redskins game.  Part of me feels uncomfortable doing so.  A game is a game however and I know the game will go on.  I know the last thing the Redskins are thinking about is football.  I don't know when the funeral is, but it's probably within a day or 2 of Sunday's game.  I have no idea how they can make the mental/emotional switch from funeral to football.  Being professional has nothing to do with losing a friend.  It will be one of those things where the Redskins will either pour their grief into their game and win for their friend, or they will be so lost in their grief that they'll hardly be able to play.  I also don't know how it would work for the opposing team - would one team give another a "pity win" for lack of a better term?  Would they go for the throat knowing their opponent is weak?  These men are human - undoubtedly some compassionate, some not so much.  Ordinarily, I would probably go with the Redskins in this game because I think they're a bit stronger than the Bills but with the added element of grief, I think I'm going to go with the Bills.  I confess though, I hope I'm wrong.            

Let the games begin.