NFL Picks Week 13: Marquee Teams That Will Pass Grueling Week 13 Tests

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That was close.

By Monday, fans of some of the best teams in the NFL will be breathing a lot easier after seeing some of the closer games involved their tried and true.

Just when you thought it was safe to put all your confidence in these powerhouses, hey will show how vulnerable they can be. The good news is that these teams will escape relatively unscathed. However, we will notice yet more kinks in their armor.

As the playoffs close in, it's important to get all the pratfalls out right now. We will have plenty to dissect as some of the best are put to the limit this weekend.

Green Bay Packers: With everyone's attention on Tim Tebow, it's become far too easy to forget about the Packers and the phenomenal season they are having.

They aren't perfect though. Consider their record a misnomer as the defense will at some point bite them in the rear. The Giants are in no position to pull off an upset.

Mentally, they are in a million pieces right now and the defense is just the thing to do them in this week. However, their offense is clicking despite their recent string of losses. Look for Eli Manning and company to stay within spitting distance, but that's about it.

New Orleans Saints: The Saints just finished wiping the floor with the Giants, but the Lions defense is not to be taken lightly.

They still have one of the best pass rushes in the league, even without Ndamukong Suh. This is going to be a closer game than the one we saw on Monday Night.

New York Jets: The Redskins will lose, of that I am certain. However, the Jets, specifically Mark Sanchez, has looked far too shaky lately.

This game has all the signs of a wake up call for Rex Ryan's boys as they head deeper in the race for a playoff spot.