NFL Week 13 Picks: Why Arizona Cardinals Will Shock Dallas Cowboys

The Arizona Cardinals are going to throw a major wrench in the Dallas Cowboys playoff plans.

That’s right; John Skelton or Kevin Kolb is going to beat Tony Romo in one of the biggest upsets of the season.

First off, I would like to acknowledge that yes, the Cowboys have more talent, but just ask the Eagles if they enjoy being the most talented team in the league.

The Cardinals have won the past two games against their former NFC East rival and are going into Sunday’s game with the momentum that comes with winning three of four games. This can’t be discounted when talking about a team as young as the Cardinals.

QB Kevin Kolb was a full participant at practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his foot a month ago at Baltimore. That was the game where he was able to put up 27 on one of the best defenses in the league…on the road. I think he can move the ball with the aid of All-Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald vertically against a Dallas pass defense that tends to get killed by big-time playmakers.

If not, Skelton is smart with the ball and doesn’t put his team behind the eight ball with stupid turnovers.

RB Beanie Wells is fresh off his best game as a pro, proving that he is healthy and that the O-Line is beter than most think. He can keep the chains and clock moving, limiting the opportunities of Romo and the Cowboys offense.

With Miles Austin sitting out of practice again this week, it is back to relying on Laurent Robinson. While he’s been mighty impressive in limited action (38 receptions, 554 yards, seven TDs), there is a reason why Miles is the typical starter. When the Cowboys are losing in the second half, Romo tends to panic and feel the need to be a hero. That will result in multiple interceptions for a young Cards secondary that is improving by the week.

The Cowboys are hot, winning four of five, but remember the opponents (Rams, Seahawks, Bills, at Redskins, Dolphins). I think the extended Thanksgiving break combined with a cocky team underestimating the lowly Cards is a recipe for disaster.

This is the upset of the week.

Prediction: Cardinals 23 Cowboys 21