NFL Week 13 Predictions: 3 Playoff Contenders Guaranteed to Lose This Sunday

There's always that old and widely used expression: "You win some and you lose some."

In this case, some NFL playoff contenders simply have to lose a few games along the way—they don't just all go undefeated. 

This Sunday, we have a nice slate of action presented to us, with quite a few contenders having to deal with some adversity, as they'll be taking on some challenging opponents. 

With that being said, here are three playoff contenders that will absolutely lose this Sunday. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

You think I'm kidding? Well, I'm not. I am far from kidding.

The Cincinnati Bengals may have compiled a record of 2-2 throughout the month of November, but they need to prove to the NFL that they are a legitimate playoff contender.

This weekend, they'll have to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, which is an extremely tough environment to win in. However, I do believe that the Bengals will prevail as the victors. 

Just three weeks ago, the Bengals fell short by a score of 24-17 against the Steelers, but it was a game that Cinci could have easily won. Rookie Andy Dalton played very well, as he tossed two touchdowns, but he was picked off twice. If Dalton can eliminate those mistakes, then the Bengals will have a very good chance at beating an injury-plagued Steelers team. 

Also, might I add that the Steelers are stumbling a bit themselves, as they had a very tough time beating Tyler Palko and the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday night—yes, I said Tyler Palko. Isn't that scary?

Houston Texans

No Matt Schaub? No Matt Leinart? No chance of winning Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Rookie T.J. Yates will start for the Houston Texans this Sunday against the Falcons, who happen to have the ninth best defense in the NFL. 

I don't care how effective Houston's defense is, how dominating their rushing attack is—it will be a very challenging to win a rookie with a rookie quarterback that was selected in the fifth round against a top tier defense. 

Oakland Raiders

The Miami Dolphins will beat the Oakland Raiders. I guarantee it.

For starters, let me ask you this: Have you seen how well the Dolphins have been playing lately? It's like they were swapped out for some aliens from a different planet, as this team started of this season with a dreadful 0-7 record.

Since then, quarterback Matt Moore has led his Dolphins to a solid 3-1 record with impressive victories against the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills, as well as a quality showing against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. 

I do not believe that the Raiders are a playoff worthy team despite being 7-4 and atop the AFC West. Their true colors will show Sunday afternoon against the lowly Miami Dolphins. 

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