NFL Week 13 Picks: Latest Spreads for Sunday's Games

With the NFL playoff picture becoming more clear and the contenders emerging ever-so slightly, it's an advantage for those willing to place bets.

It's difficult early on when there is much more uncertainty. However, later on in the season the average from the bad, the good from the average and the great from the good begin to separate.

That being said, here are the picks based on the spreads in all 14 games this Sunday.

Please note that all FAVORITES are in CAPS. Click the link for a full view of the Week 13 NFL Line.

CAR-TB, CIN-PIT, ATL-HOU

Carolina at TAMPA BAY (-3.5)

The Panthers head into Tampa Bay with a bit more confidence after getting a road win over Indy, whereas the Bucs' are on a five-game losing streak.

Tampa's defense won't be able to stop Carolina's offense, but Bucs' RB LeGarrette Blount could have a big game against a weak Panthers rush defense. It's a close game either way, but the Panthers win on the road.

Take the Panthers and the points

Cincinnati at PITTSBURGH (-6.5)

The Bengals are desperate for a win this week, and the Steelers need one to keep them at bay. Well, Pittsburgh still has a sick defense while the Bengals just slipped past the Browns at home.

Cincinnati's offense has been improving however, it's nowhere on the level as The Steel Curtain. That said, it's not a blowout but the Steelers do win by at least one TD.

Take the Steelers against the spread

ATLANTA at Houston (-2.5)

Quite possibly one of the bigger inter-conference games of the year, despite all of Houston's injuries. The Falcons have a sound and balanced offense against the Texans who have a Top Five defense. Now, Houston may also be in dire straits at the QB position, however, they have a stout ground game.

The only problem, though, is that Atlanta knows how to stop the run while they are weak at defending the pass. So, should Houston take flight?

No, the Texans will run the ball and play well, but come up short thanks to Atlanta having the more balanced offense.

Take the Falcons against the spread

NYJ-WAS, IND-NE, OAK-MIA

NY JETS at Washington (-3)

It appears the both Mark Sanchez and Rex Grossman have figured something out these past couple of weeks. The question is whether both can keep up the solid play.

Well, Sanchez has the better track record, and although Washington's defense is good, they're not suffocatingly good. On the flip-side, the Jets defense has been great all year against the pass and has improved against the run.

Take the Jets against the spread

Indianapolis at NEW ENGLAND (-20)

Let's put it this way, Kansas City beat the Colts at Indy 28-24 and the Pats' beat the Chiefs at home 34-3. So that puts the odds greatly against Indianapolis, right?

Yes.

And when you think about it, a 20-point spread isn't technically a full three-TD lead. Surely the Pats' will put up more than 30 against on the NFL's worst defense, and there's no way the Colts keep pace with Tom Brady.

Take the Patriots against the spread

Oakland at MIAMI (-3)

At midseason this Raiders-Dolphins game didn't look like it held much weight. Well, now it does—because Oakland is vying to remain atop the AFC West while the Dolphins have been playing with a lot more confidence recently.

Thing is, Miami has never faced a ground game nearly as consistent as the Raiders have been all season long. As for the Dolphins offense, they'll move the ball rather well against Oakland.

The difference here is special teams. That advantage goes to Oakland. They're the better team as the underdog and will get the victory anyway.

Take the Raiders and the points

DEN-MIN, TEN-BUF, KC-CHI

Denver at MINNESOTA (-1.5)

This is certainly an interesting matchup, as the Broncos struggle throwing the ball and Minnesota struggles defending it. On the other hand, Denver runs the ball quite well and the Vikings are excellent at shutting that down.

The difference here though, is the Broncos pass rush versus Minnesota's pass rush. The Vikings may have Jared Allen, but no one else. So, double-teaming him is crucial—whereas Denver has Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil and on occasion, Brian Dawkins.

Denver is the better team and wins by another FG.

Take the Broncos and the points

Tennessee at BUFFALO (-2.5)

Much like the Jets did when they beat the Bills in Buffalo, it comes down to running the football, controlling the clock, and not turning the ball over.

Buffalo's defense relies on picking off passes however, they have trouble defending the rush and pass. And although the Titans are having a down year in the ground game, RB Chris Johnson has seen a recent surge of dominance.

Therefore, feed him the rock and the Titans walk in and outta Buffalo with a big victory.

Take the Titans and the points

Kansas City at CHICAGO (-7)

Regardless of who's under center for Kansas City it's not going to matter. The Chiefs lack really any kind of passing game and the Bears defense has been improving since early in the year.

Now, the Bears are in a similar QB situation. However, the difference is Chicago RB Matt Forte. He's been the Bears' offense all season even before the injuries, whereas K.C. just hasn't been able to overcome injuries.

Take the Bears against the spread

BAL-CLE, DAL-ARZ, GB-NYG

BALTIMORE at Cleveland (-6.5)

Here we have one of the NFL's best defenses going against one of the NFL's worst offenses. Cleveland has no viable threat to move the ball against Baltimore and the Ravens also a great at causing QB pressure and forcing turnovers.

On the flip-side, Cleveland defends that pass rather well, but allows tons of rush yards. Therefore, when the Ravens have the ball expect a lot of RB Ray Rice, who continually moves Balty up and down the field.

Take the Ravens against the spread

DALLAS at Arizona (-4.5)

Although this game may appear to be a trap-game for Dallas, it's not so much a trap game as a "hiccup win," if there's ever such a thing. Arizona's pass offense will prove its worth against a vulnerable Cowboys coverage.

But, the Cardinals still have trouble defending the run, and although they have the better special teams, Dallas' balanced offense will keep Arizona from pulling off the upset. That said however, the game stays within 4.5 points.

Take the Cardinals and the points

GREEN BAY at NY Giants (-7)

New York may have a solid pass offense to move the ball against Green Bay, but the difference between the Packers and Saints, however, is that the cheese gets good QB pressure and knows how to cause turnovers.

In addition, the Packers offense is arguably the best in show and the Giants defensive nickname of The Big Blue Wrecking Crew has been anything but in 2011. Not to mention, the Packers have the special teams advantage.

Take the Packers against the spread

STL-SF, DET-NO

St. Louis at SAN FRANCISCO (-13)

The Rams have the worst rush defense in pro football, while the 49ers have one of the best rush offenses.

Jeez, what are the Niners gonna do?

Not only will Frisco run the ball all game long, but their good pass rush will keep the Rams potential passing game from having any production. 49ers win by more than two TDs.

Take San Francisco against the spread

Detroit at NEW ORLEANS (-9)

The Lions need a win this week arguably more than anyone. But the Saints rarely lose at home and Detroit has only faced one other offense comparable to New Orleans in Green Bay.

To that end, if the Lions couldn't stop the Packers at home, they're not stopping the Saints in Louisiana. Additionally, New Orleans can effectively run the ball at-will, and since Detroit has no rush offense, the Saints will being dropping at least seven defenders into coverage each time Stafford drops back.

Also, expect them to double-team WR Calvin Johnson and force Stafford to keep pace with Brees without one of the league's best targets.

Take the Saints against the spread

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27