NFL Week 13 Picks: Advance Warning for Teams on Upset Alert

In Week 13, the following five NFL teams could be on upset alert:

New York Jets at Washington Redskins

The roller coaster 2011 season for the Jets is back to pointing up, and most are expecting them to get to 7-5 with a win over the Redskins. But I wouldn't count out Washington just yet. They've played considerably better over the past two weeks, beating the Seahawks in Seattle last week after taking the Cowboys to overtime in Week 11.

If Rex Grossman doesn't turn it over against Rex Ryan's defense, the Redskins will be right in it on Sunday. 

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins

The records—Oakland is 7-4 and Miami 3-8—say this should be a blow out, but don't underestimate that the Raiders have to travel across the country to play a Dolphins team that really is better than its record indicates.

Miami has won three of four games and probably should have left Dallas on Thanksgiving with a win. If the Dolphins' seventh-ranked run defense can keep Oakland from running wild on the ground, then Miami will have a chance to pull off the upset. 

Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears

Will Kyle Orton get a shot against his former team and the city he wanted to go to on waivers? Either way, this will be a matchup of teams that have seen better days at the quarterback position.

The Bears are holding on for their playoff lives with Caleb Hanie, and the Chiefs are all but out in the AFC West after losing Matt Cassel for the season. If Hanie falters like he did against Oakland, the Chiefs could steal a game in Chicago. 

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns

How many times have we seen it happen with the Ravens? They'll win a big game, like they did against the 49ers on Thanksgiving night, and the next week the bottom falls out in game they should win handily.

Might it happen again this week against the 4-7 Browns? Until the Ravens buck this trend, they have to crack the Week 13 upset watch. Road games within the division are always tough, too. 

Green Bay Packers at New York Giants

The Giants didn't look like a team on Monday night that could beat anyone, much less the 11-0 Packers. But I wouldn't underestimate Tom Coughlin and his motivational ploys, especially since the Giants are going to get pounded by the New York media this week.

If Coughlin can get his front seven to play their best game of the season, the Giants will have a chance. Any performance that even resembles Monday night will get the Giants beat.