NFL Week 13: Picks and Predictions

Usually at this point in the NFL season, the contenders start to separate themselves from the pretenders. In 2008, that hasn't happened yet. As I write this following Thursday's triple header, 22 of the 32 NFL teams still find themselves legitimately in the playoff hunt.

This list includes the favorites (NY Giants, Tennessee, Pittsburgh) and some teams that are on life support (Philadelphia, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Diego), but most of them are in the middle of the pack, unsure of whether they'll be watching the playoffs from home or participating in them.

Due to this fact, every week remaining will have an inordinate number of significant, important games. This week, only the Chiefs-Raiders and Jaguars-Texans games have no significant playoff implications.

Every other match-up features either a team trying to move up in the standings or hold onto their position, including many that pit these teams against one another.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some previews and picks for this upcoming week.

San Francisco (3-8) at Buffalo (6-5)

The story of this game will be whether Buffalo's offensive explosion last week was a fluke due to playing Kansas City or a sign of things to come.

Marshawn Lynch has exploded for 198 rushing yards, 15 receptions, and 2 touchdowns the past two weeks, while Trent Edwards had his best game of the year against the Chiefs.

San Francisco has been more competitive under Mike Singletary and since changing to Shaun Hill at quarterback, but Dallas uncovered a soft spot in their defense when Terrell Owens went for 213 yards, and I expect Lee Evans and Edwards to take advantage of this match-up. Bills 27 - 49ers 17

Baltimore (7-4) at Cincinnati (1-9-1)

Baltimore proved against the Eagles that their big loss to the Giants was more a statement about New York than the Ravens. It would be nice for Baltimore to establish a more solid running game, but Joe Flacco has played very well as a rookie and their defense is excellent in nearly every phase.

About the only thing the Bengals have going for them is they're playing at home, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, Chad Ocho Cinco on the sidelines, and a defense that hasn't stopped anyone besides the Eagles, expect Baltimore to win comfortably. Ravens 31 - Bengals 13

Indianapolis (7-4) at Cleveland (4-7)

How impressive would it be if the Colts were able to bounce back from a 3-4 start to get a Wild Card spot? With their next four games against Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Jacksonville, they should be in pretty good shape.

I know that Drew Brees and Kurt Warner have been great, but doesn't Peyton Manning deserve some MVP consideration for how he's turned around this team.

During their four-game winning streak, he's thrown for 1,069 yards, nine touchdowns, and only one interception.

The Browns, meanwhile, have completely fallen apart. They tried out Brady Quinn, whose now out for the year, and now have to turn back to Derek Anderson. Their coach is on the hot seat, and GM Phil Savage is swearing at fans in emails. Not a good recipe to beat a hot Colts team. Colts 24 - Browns 10

Carolina (8-3) at Green Bay (5-6)

This is one of the most interesting games of the week, and questions abound. Are the Panthers for real? Can the Packers rebound from their Monday night debacle in the Superdome? Can Jake Delhomme get things together?

Despite their performance last week, the Packers still have a strong secondary, while the Panthers biggest struggle has been in the passing game.

Expect the Packers to contain Steve Smith, Ryan Grant to exploit a Panthers D that allowed Michael Turner four touchdowns last week, and Green Bay to stay in the playoff hunt with a close victory. Packers 24 - Panthers 21

Miami (6-5) at St. Louis (2-9)

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