NFL Week 13 Picks: Predictions for Games That Are Too Close To Call

There are some games that are almost too easy to pick. We should all remember to be thankful for these.

The reason we should be thankful is because there are typically quite a few games on the NFL schedule every week that could go either way. You can tell them apart by their slim point spreads.

There are a couple of these games on the docket for Week 13. You're certainly free to make your own picks. But if you're looking for advice, you might be able to glean some from my picks.

If that sounds good to you, keep reading.

Note: all spreads according to Bodog.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Seattle Seahawks

I'm not gonna lie—this is a tough one. On the one hand, you have a bad team crippled by injuries. On the other, you have just a plain old bad team.

Word has come down that the Eagles are going to be without Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin in this game, so my first concern is how their passing offense is going to hold up. Remember, DeSean Jackson has been a virtual non-factor this season, so Vince Young is going to have his work cut out for him.

The other thing that worries me about the Eagles is how they'll manage against Marshawn Lynch. The Eagles' rush defense has improved in recent weeks, but Lynch has been in full Beast Mode lately. I'm going to give him the advantage.

The best thing the Seahawks can do is lure the Eagles into an ugly game, and then feed off their home crowd. If they can do that, I think they can handle the Eagles.

Seahawks 20, Eagles 17

Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (-1.5)

If you're going to pick the Bills to win this game, you'll be banking on the possibility that their strong performance against the New York Jets on Sunday was for real.

Personally, I have my doubts. The Bills definitely looked better and they definitely could have won, but the thing you have to remember is that we're talking about the Jets. They're one of the most beatable teams in the league.

Make no mistake, this is a game the Titans can win. They've been playing some pretty good defense in recent weeks (and indeed, they have all season), and they've finally managed to get Chris Johnson going. They have improved play from their offensive line to thank for that.

If Johnson can succeed against a weak Bills rush defense, I think the Titans are only losing this game if they lose the turnover battle. I think they're going to win it, as it must be noted that Ryan Fitzpatrick was on an interception binge not too long ago.

Titans 24, Bills 20

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins (-3)

It may seem a little odd that the 3-8 Dolphins are favored against the AFC West-leading Raiders, but I think it makes sense. The Raiders are a beatable team, and the Dolphins have been playing much better lately.

However, I think the Raiders deserve a little more credit. They've been playing very well despite being hindered by a series of key injuries, and they've also managed to go 4-1 on the road this season.

To boot, the Dolphins are a team the Raiders can beat. They'll look to test Miami's lackluster pass defense, and you can also expect them to wear the Dolphins down with a steady dose of Michael Bush.

On defense, the Raiders will have to keep Reggie Bush contained, and they'll also have to force Matt Moore into making costly mistakes. They just did the same to Matt Forte and Caleb Hanie, so I don't see why they can't do the same against the Dolphins.

Raiders 27, Dolphins 21

New York Jets (-3) at Washington Redskins 

The Jets have won just a single game on the road this season, so this is a great opportunity to pick an upset.

And I think the Redskins are going to get the job done. They have the kind of defense that is capable of giving Mark Sanchez fits, and they're also going to be able to contain the Jets' mediocre rushing attack.

Offensively, the key for the Redskins will be to limit Rex Grossman's mistakes and (hopefully) get Roy Helu as many touches as possible. Grossman has played much better in the last two weeks and Helu is coming off a career-making performance against the Seahawks, so I'm thinking this isn't too much to ask.

Get ready to hear plenty of woe-are-the-Jets chatter on SportsCenter.

Redskins 17, Jets 14

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)

A matchup between one of the worst teams in the NFL and one of the coldest teams in the NFL.

Goody.

If you ask me, you have to give the edge to the Buccaneers in this game. They are totally deserving of their five-game losing streak, but they're not bad enough to lose to a team like the Panthers. Cam Newton is great and everything, but the team around him is awful.

The one thing the Panthers should be worried about is stopping LeGarrette Blount. The Panthers can't stop the run to save their lives, and Blount has been running very well recently. He should have no trouble moving the Bucs' offense, and that's going to spell a long afternoon for Carolina.

As for Newton, the Bucs had better hope he makes a mistake or two. Seeing as how Newton is liable to do that, I think they're going to be okay.

Buccaneers 26, Panthers 21