NFL Week 13 Picks: Picking Winners for Games with Biggest Playoff Implications

Week 13 of the NFL season is upon us, and there are some games on the slate that hold some big playoff implications. There are over 10 teams fighting for about four playoff spots right now, and every game for these teams represents the success or failure of their season.

It is tough to predict who wins any game in the NFL, let alone games that will be so hotly contested by men prone to unexpected performances in high pressure situations. You never know when players will do something off the script. 

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears

This game should be...well, it will be something. Both teams feature second-hand quarterbacks. 

Caleb Hanie had a rough afternoon against the Oakland Raiders last week, throwing three interceptions. He will bounce back nicely against the Chiefs. 

I expect Tyler Palko to be completely overwhelmed by the Bears defense, which has been coming on strong lately. The Chiefs are on the road, and this team just isn't cohesive enough to withstand the crowd at Soldier Field.

The Bears are still in the thick of the playoff hunt, and they have the home crowd, which is eager to scream itself silly in support of this team. 

Bears win, 24-13.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Houston Texans

Both the Falcons and the Texans would be in the playoffs if they started today. Needless to say, both teams will be playing at that special playoff intensity level that makes the NFL so exciting.

The Texans have the No. 1 defense in the NFL. Jonathan Joseph is one of the top five cornerbacks in the league. The entire team is playing at a high level. 

I expect the Texans defense to slow down Matt Ryan and the Falcons enough to give T.J. Yates and Arian Foster the opportunity to wear down the clock and win the game.

Texans win, 27-24.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This is my upset pick of the week!

The Bengals will show how much they have matured over the last few frustrating weeks by beating the Steelers at Heinz Field on Sunday.

Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton is surpassing Cam Newton as the offensive ROY. He will hook up with A.J. Green for a couple of touchdowns against the Steelers.

The Bengals defense is also hot. They will somehow stifle Big Ben Roethlisberger and his dynamic duo at wide receiver, Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.

Bengals win, 21-17.

Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are at home against the Lions, and both offenses are hot. The trend won't continue for the Lions, however, because defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has his unit creating turnovers again. 

I expect the total yardage to be over 800 yards combined, but the Lions won't keep up on the scoreboard. 

Saints win, 41-31.