NFL Picks Week 13: Teams That Will Triumph in Defensive Battles

Defense wins championships, but several teams will be satisfied if they can pull out a victory in matchups that are sure to be low-scoring contests.

A few games this weekend will feature two stout defenses, and points will be at a premium in these matchups.

For NFL fans who enjoy solid tackling, turnovers and quarterbacks spending a significant amount of time on their backs, three games will catch your eye. 

Here is how these contests will play out.

Chicago Bears over Seattle Seahawks

The Bears currently rank third in yards allowed per game while the Seahawks sit at fifth in that same category. 

These defenses are talented, disciplined and have been the driving force behind both team’s success this season. 

Chicago has created turnovers and scored touchdowns at an incredible rate this season, with eight defensive touchdowns already. Russell Wilson will make key mistakes in this game, and the Bears will punish him.

Although the Seattle pass rush will expose the Bears' subpar pass protections, the Seahawks defense will not make enough plays to win this game.

San Francisco 49ers over St. Louis Rams

The 49ers may rank second in yardage allowed this season, but they have the best defense in the NFL.

St. Louis has showed vast improvements on the defensive side of the ball in Jeff Fisher’s first season and currently ranks 12th in yards per game allowed.

The last time these two teams met, the defenses played to a stalemate in overtime, and the game ended in a tie. This game featured Colin Kaepernick’s first significant playing time of the season, and he now has more experience and confidence.

The newest 49ers star will make enough plays to get by in another close contest.

Baltimore Ravens over Pittsburgh Steelers

This is the NLF’s ultimate defensive matchup, and there are five former Defensive Player of the Year Award winners on these two teams (although not all will be playing).

While the Ravens rank 24th in yards per game this season, they have also given up the seventh-fewest points. Pittsburgh has allowed the fewest yards on any team in football.

The rivalry will only serve to make this game even more intense, and it will be another hard-fought defensive battle. 

In the end, Baltimore’s offensive playmakers will be able to score just enough points to earn a victory.