NFL Week 13 Game Predictions

Predictions for Week 13 Games

Chris Matteson
New York Jets at Buffalo Bill:

Both the Jets and Buffalo are coming off strong wins against descent opponents. This game will be a tough one for both teams. Mark Sanchez hasn't been performing the last few weeks as he had in the beginning of the season. He's thrown 2 touchdowns and 7 interceptions the last 3 games and has averaged only 145 yards per game during that time. Buffalo looked strong last week against Miami putting up 31 points. Fred Jackson was very productive and should be able to continue to be productive this week against the Jets. I think this is going to be a close one.

Jets 17, Bills 14

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons:

The Eagles put up huge numbers yet again last week. This young team has a veteran leader in Donovan McNabb. With the passing game established, they Andy Reid might try to incorporate the running game more. McCoy showed us last week that he can get the job done. The Falcons will most likely be without their starting quarterback (Matt Ryan) this week due to turf toe. Chris Redman will most likely be starting and last week he showed that he can be a reliable back-up to Ryan. We can also expect Michael Turner to get some more touches this week after coming back from his injury. I say that the Eagles take charge of this game.

Eagles 24, Atlanta 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

The Buccaneers have been struggling throughout the whole season and have a record of only 1-9. The last few weeks they've been close to pulling out victories. They almost beat the Falcons last week and have improved consistently as the season progresses. The Panthers only put up 2 field goals last week against the Jets. Jake Delhomme looked like a rookie, throwing 4 interceptions and no touchdowns. The Panthers have been sinking, and I believe that they are just about to fall off a cliff.

Tampa Bay 14, Carolina 10


St. Louis Rams at Chicago Bears:

The Rams are operating without starting quarterback, Marc Bulger. Luckily, they still have a chance with Steven Jackson against the Bears' banged-up defense. The Bears have also been having troubles putting points on the board with Jay Cutler under center. Cutler has thrown for an NFL high 20 interceptions. With Cutler's game suffering, Matt Forte has been troubles getting the running game going. I'm still expecting the Bears to sneak away with a victory.

Bears 17, Rams 7

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts:

The Titans started off 0-6 but they have rebounded back with a 5-game winning streak to keep their playoff hopes alive. Vince Young showed us last week that he can be the starting quarterback for the Titans. He still remains undefeated as the team's starter and led a 99 yard touchdown drive in less than 2 minutes to win the game against the Cardinals. Chris Johnson has proven to be one of the top runningbacks this year. The Colts are looking to keep their undefeated record going. They have had close games the last few weeks and have almost blown it more than once. Last week against the Texans, it looked like they were going to lose after being down 14-0 in the first quarter. They rebounded in the second half and defeated the Texans 35-27. This is going to be a close matchup, and with the Colts' perfect record on the line, the Titans are going to fight hard to break it.

Titans 31, Colts 28

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs:

The Broncos are coming off a 10-day break and a strong victory over the Giants. With plenty of time to rest, the Broncos should have time to recoup. Kyle Orton and Knowshon Merono both had good games last week, and should have even better games against the Chiefs. Last week the Chiefs gave the ball up 4 different times against San Diego last week. If they keep that up this week, they are bound to put up small points and give up big points to the Broncos offense.

Broncos 24, Chiefs 14

New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins:

The Saints are on top of the power rankings. Last week they posted 38 points against the Patriots and 35 of them came from the hands of Drew Brees. The Redskin's defense has been playing well against the pass game, but they are no match for Brees and his receivers. The Redskin's offense is not very strong and will most likely struggle against the Saints' strong defense.

Saints 35, Redskins 17

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburg Steelers:

The Raiders have been struggling on both sides of the ball. In two weeks, Bruce Gradkowski has already thrown more touchdowns than Russell did this year, unfortunately that is a measly 3 touchdowns. Last week, the Steelers lost to the Ravens in overtime, and continue their skid falling to 6-5. The Steelers may be facing troubles next week again as they might be without Ben Roethlisberger again. Rashard Mendenhall will have to pick up the pace this week to keep the team from falling further behind in the playoff race.

Steelers 24, Raiders 10

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars:

The Texans have been surprising this year. Last week they started off leading the Colts 14-0, but fell apart in the second half and lost 35-27. Matt Shaub has been putting up good numbers almost weekly and with his strong receiving corps, he should have ability to beat the Jaguars deep. The Jaguars struggled last week, putting up only 3 points against the 49ers. This week, the Jaguars should improve their offensive game and put the ball in the end zone more often.

Texans 27, Jaguars 20

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins:

The Patriots are coming off a tough loss to the Saints and the Dolphins are coming off a tough loss to the Bills. The Patriots still have a strong passing game with Brady, Moss, and Welker. Look for them to be throwing the ball often against the Dolphins secondary. The Dolphins have lost their key player, Ronnie Brown. However, Ricky Williams seems to be getting the job done and has rushed for 2 100-yard games in a row. The Patriots should take control of this game.

Patriots 28, Dolphins 17

Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals:

The Lions have been having troubles moving the ball on offense (except when they played the worst pass defense in the league). The Lions' defense has been having troubles keeping the passing game under control. Matthew Stafford might not play next week due to his shoulder injury. In this case, Culpepper would get the start and the passing game will be in trouble. The Bengals have been a surprise this year. Carson Palmer seems to be fully recovered and they have a high-powered throwing offense. With the addition of Larry Johnson, both the running game and passing game should improve.

Bengals 24, Lions 7

San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns:

This game should be a blowout. The Chargers are what they are supposed to be. A Superbowl caliber team. Philip Rivers and Tomlinson have been getting their jobs done. Last week, the Chargers defense caused 4 turnovers, all of which ended with Chargers' points. The Browns have been unsuccessful this year at moving the ball down the field and preventing the opponent from moving down the field. Their offense has been struggling with the passing game with Brady Quinn under center. Unfortunately for them, Quinn is the only quarterback they have that could be a top quarterback if he had the right people around him. The Chargers will dominate the Browns.

Chargers 35, Browns 10

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants:

Last week the Cowboys showed us that they are still a top quality team. They were able to move the ball both on the ground and in the air. Their defense was also able to stop the Raiders' offense from moving the ball into the end zone. The Giants are coming off a disappointing loss last week against the Broncos. They were unsuccessful at putting the ball in the Broncos' end zone, earning only 2 field goals. The Giants have been tumbling after starting off the season well. They will be looking to turn their season back around by defeating the Cowboys.

Cowboys 24, Giants 14

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks:

The 49ers beat the Jaguars last week, allowing only 3 points and earning 20. Their passing game was effective and their running game was a nice supplement. With Frank Gore behind the quarterback, he is a great option to run the ball or target for the quarterback. The Seahawks beat the Rams last week to improve to 4-7. Justin Forsett ran the ball well last week; however, Matt Hasselbeck was unable to get the ball into the end zone through the air.

49ers 20, Seahawks 10

Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals:

The Vikings have only lost one game this year. Brett Favre seems to be the answer they have been looking for all of these years. Last week, the Vikings put up more than 500 yards against the Bear's defense and only allowed them 170 total yards. Arizona is coming off a last second loss to the Titans. With Kurt Warner having a concussion, and Matt Leinart getting the start, their chances of beating the Vikings will fall.

Vikings 35, Cardinals 21

Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers:

A Monday night game is just what the Packers need to continue their playoff run. They tend to show up big on these types of nights. Aaron Rodgers has been spectacular and the offensive line has finally stepped up and learned how to block. The Packers' defense is also one of the top rated defenses in the league. The Ravens are also in the midst of a playoff run. Last week, the Ravens edged the Steelers in overtime.

Packers 28, Ravens 21

Published by Chris Matteson

I love to fly. I am currently a commercial pilot with an instrument rating. I am a student at the University of Dubuque, majoring in Flight Operations and Aviation Management and minoring in military science...  View profile

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