NFL Week 13 Predictions: Big Favorites That Won't Be Able to Cover

Week 13 features a number of favorites getting a lot of love from the oddsmakers. There is nothing wrong with that—in fact, it is an inevitability of the NFL because there are going to be games featuring good teams and bad teams.

It is unfair to blame an NFL team for not being able to cover the spread. They are not the ones who set the lines, and it is entirely possible that some teams are being overrated by the oddsmakers. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but there are people who take their betting seriously. 

Since there is so much parity in the sport of football, it is always dangerous to give a lot of points to one team. The temptation to do it is easy, but you have to resist that because it is not going to pay off in the end. 

Here are three big favorites that won't cover this week. 

St. Louis Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers (-14)

It has been a long time since the 49ers have been such prohibitive favorites, but they certainly have earned the right to be, with the second-best record in the NFC and playing at home against the lowly Rams. 

That said, I don't think they will score enough to be able to cover that 14-point spread. It's a lot to be giving to anyone, and after their performance last week against the Ravens, Alex Smith could start to get a little gun shy. 

The 49ers will win the game and the NFC West in the process, but it won't be by two touchdowns. 

49ers 23, Rams 14

Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints (-9)

Ndamukong Suh's anger issues aside, the Lions are still a good team and have the potential to put up a lot of points on the Saints defense. 

Sure, Drew Brees is great at what he does, and the Saints are scoring nearly 42 points per game at home this season, but I like the Lions' big-play ability and think they will keep the game close throughout. 

I want to pick the Lions for the win outright, but I think that the Saints are playing too well right now to be upended in this game. 

Still, it will be closer than the experts think. 

Saints 35, Lions 31

Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots (-21)

I really wanted to go out on a limb for one of my picks, so I went with the biggest spread out there. 

As an Indiana resident but not a Colts fan, I do feel sorry for what has happened to this franchise. They did it to themselves by not building a good team, but you still hate to see anyone lose all their games. 

That said, I think that New England will be so far ahead at halftime that Bill Belichick will show some compassion—yes, I know, it rarely happens—and call the dogs off. This will allow the Colts to score some late touchdowns to make the game appear closer than it actually is. 

Who knows, maybe Dan Orlovsky is the answer for this team. I am being facetious, of course, but stranger things have happened. Right?

Patriots 38, Colts 23