NFL Week 13 Picks: Predicting the NFL Playoff Picture After This Week

Be prepared for shuffling in the NFL playoff picture—it's going to happen from here on out. 

In Week 13, there are a handful of matchups with major implications on both the AFC and NFC postseason. 

Here's what I think the the playoffs will look like after this weekend's action. 

AFC 

1. New England Patriots (9-3)

They should handle their business against the 0-11 Colts. It could get ugly. There's not much more to say about their game. 

2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)

The Ravens will have more trouble with the Browns than you'd initially think, mainly because of Cleveland's stout secondary.

In the end, Baltimore's defense will be able to essentially shut down the Browns offensive attack en route to victory. 

3. Oakland Raiders (8-4)

Their game with the Dolphins in Miami is no easy task, but we've seen over the course of the last few weeks that the Raiders offense is very dangerous with Carson Palmer slinging the ball down the field and with Michael Bush toting the rock.

They win in a high-scoring game and maintain their lead in the AFC West.

4. Houston Texans (8-4)

The Texans drop to the No. 4 seed after a loss this week at the hands of the offensively balanced Falcons.

T.J. Yates isn't horrible, but he won't be able to get into any sort of rhythm against an extremely athletic Atlanta defense. Because of the few turnovers I'm expecting Yates to be responsible for, Matt Ryan should take advantage of short fields and win a close game on the road.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)

The Steelers will have their hands full against the pesky Bengals, that's for sure.

Can you bet against Ben Roethlisberger in a critical game at home, though?

I can't.

Cincinnati has a great defense, but Big Ben always seems to make the correct improvisation when it matters most. 

Andy Dalton will turn in his typically poised performance, but a late interception late will seal the deal in a punishing AFC North battle.

6. Denver Broncos (7-5)

Because I'm predicting the Denver Tebows to win on the road against a weak Minnesota Vikings and have the Bengals losing, there's a new team in that No. 6 spot.

Although the Vikings have a stout run defense, they're limited offensively, and it looks like Adrian Peterson will be out for the second straight week. 

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil should both have big games getting to Christian Ponder and yet again, the Broncos win a tight, low-scoring affair.

NFC 

1. Green Bay Packers (12-0)

A few weeks ago, the Packers' matchup with the Giants in New Jersey looked like a possible end to their perfect season.

After New York's three-game losing streak, it looks like Green Bay should leave with their 12th victory of the season.

These teams are similar in the fact that they love throwing the football down the field, are opportunistic on defense and have talented receiving corps.

Nothing against Eli Manning, but if this game is a shootout, I'm taking Rodgers.

2. San Francisco 49ers (10-2)

The 49ers-Rams game is comparable to the Patriots-Colts this week. San Francisco will run all over the league's worst rushing defense that just allowed 268 yards to the Cardinals in Week 12.

St. Louis has a hard time moving the football consistently down the field, and they're up against one of the best defenses in football.

3. New Orleans Saints (9-3)

The Saints are catching fire at the perfect time. They've shown susceptibility on the road, but they've yet to lose at home, and we're all well aware of how explosive they are in prime time.

Something about playing under those bright lights that brings the best out in the Saints.

The Lions have tremendous big-play ability of their own, they're just not as consistent.

New Orleans in another shootout.

4. Dallas Cowboys (8-4)

Tony Romo gets Miles Austin back this week, giving him his full complement of wide receivers—a scary thought for opposing defenses.

Rob Ryan will focus his game plan on stopping Beanie Wells, and Dallas' defensive front is much more physical and disciplined than the Rams.

Not close.

5. Chicago Bears (8-4)

Even if Kyle Orton goes for the Chiefs, they aren't dynamic enough on the ground or through the air to beat the Bears defense on Soldier Field.

It's that simple.

Caleb Hanie won't try to make the spectacular-yet-risky plays and will allow Matt Forte and his defense to win this game against an inferior opponent.

6. Atlanta Falcons (8-4) 

The T.J. Yates factor gets the Falcons by the Texans on the road in Houston. Atlanta has demonstrated great balance on offense this year, but they're facing, statistically, the best defense in football.

While I don't expect Matt Ryan and Michael Turner to turn in outstanding performances, I think they'll be able to take advantage of turnovers en route to their eighth win of the 2011 season. 

*Records after Week 13 predictions