Week 13 2009 NFL Season Picks and Predictions

Week 12 allowed the contenders to separate themselves from the pretenders. The Titans and Chargers are two of the hottest teams in the NFL, and Vince Young has set the NFL on fire, again.

I can't wait to see what week 13 has in store. Here are my picks and predictions for Week 13 of the 2009 NFL season.

1. NY Jets (5-6, Road 2-3) vs. Buffalo (4-7, Home 2-3)

The Jets survived an injury scare to quarterback Mark Sanchez. The defense looks to have gotten back to its stingy ways coming off a 4 Int game against the Panthers. Buffalo is playing much better since the firing of Dick Jauron, and the insertion of Ryan Fitzpatrick at the quarterback position. Terrell Owens has been the direct beneficiary having caught 14 balls for 293 yards in the last 2 weeks. The Jets win a close one on the road.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (7-4, Road 3-2) vs. Atlanta Falcons (6-5, Home 5-0)

The Falcons managed to squeak out a much needed victory over the Bucs last week. The problem is they lost Michael Turner and Matt Ryan in the process. Chris Redman came in and did a solid job replacing Ryan, but he'll be blitzed relentlessly this week by the Eagles defense. Donovan Mcnabb is playing well enough to keep the Eagles in most games, but he still struggles with his accuracy from time to time. The Eagles win a tough road game over Atlanta.

3. Tennessee Titans (5-6, Road 2-4) vs. Indianapolis Colts (11-0, Home 5-0)

The Titans com in as one of the hottest teams in football, having won 5 straight since Vince Young replace Kerry Collins as quarterback. Vince Young may have had one of his finest games as a pro last week, throwing for 387 yards ,as he capped off his fine performance with a 99 yard comeback drive. The Colts continue to win. The defense plays big at the right moment, and Peyton Manning is a MVP candidate. However, the Colts have won their last 5 games by a combined 18 points, all come from behind victories. The Colts luck runs out behind strong performances by Chris Johnson and Vince Young.

4. Denver Broncos (7-4, Road 3-2) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (3-8, Home 1-4)

The Broncos needed their Thanksgiving night win over the Giants in the worst way. The Bronco defense looked dominant again behind a spirited effort led by Safety Brian Dawkins. Look for rookie running back Knowshon Moreno to have a good day against the 27th rank Chief run defense. The Chiefs got crushed on the road by the Chargers last week. They'll have a tough time beating a Bronco team trying to keep pace with the Chargers for the AFC West lead.

5. Houston Texans (5-6, Road 3-2) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5, Home 4-1)

The Texans have to be wondering what if. They've lost their last 3 in a row by a combined 14 points. Incidentally, all three losses have come to divisional opponents, including two losses to the Colts. The Jaguars are coming off a tough loss at San Francisco, where they moved the ball with little problem, but failed to score points. In addition, star running back Maurice Jones Drew has 2 consecutive games under 100 yards. Look for the Jags to shake off their recent ills with a strong home showing over the Texans.

6. Detroit Lions (2-9, Road 0-5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3, Home 4-2)

The Lions have had absolutely no success on the road this season. Stafford has looked good at times this season, but he needs more help around him, starting with an offensive line. The Bengals should get Cedric Benson back this week. If not, Larry Johnson and rookie Bernard Scott look more than capable of handling the load. Cincinnati should face little resistance at home against the worst defense in the league. Look for Carson Palmer and Ocho Cinco to have a big day.

7. Tampa Bay Bucanneers (1-10, Road 0-5) vs. Carolina Panthers (4-7, Home 2-3)

If Jake Delhomme could throw the ball to the right team, the Panthers could be a dangerous team. Delhomme may cost John Fox his job if the Panthers don't right the ship quickly. They have one of the better run offenses and should have a huge day on the ground against the Bucs 30th ranked run defense. First year coach Raheem Morris may need a win soon if he wants to be the head coach of the Buccaneers next year. The Panthers literally run away with this one.

8. Oakland Raiders (3-8, Road 1-4) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5, Home 4-1)

Are the Steelers falling apart before our eyes. Look for Roethlisberger to take the field this week after comments made by WR Hines Ward questioning his toughness. Nevertheless, the Steelers aren't playing the type of defense that won them the Superbowl last season. The Raiders are a much better team with Bruce Gradkowski at the helm, but they are still an inept franchise from top to bottom. The Steelers won't lose to the lowly Raiders at Heinz Field.

9. New England Patriots (7-4, Road 1-3) vs. Miami Dolphins (5-6, Home 3-2)

As good as Ricky Williams still is, he is no Ronnie Brown. The Dolphins missed Ronnie Brown's mastery of the Wildcat offense in a 31-14 loss to Buffalo last week. Chad Henne has had a rollercoaster rookie season, and comes off a 3 Int performance. Look for the Patriot defense to apply pressure to Henne. With Ronnie Brown out, the Patriots should find it a little easier to shut down the wildcat. The Patriots aren't as good defensively as they've been in years past. Luckily for them the Dolphins lack the weapons to exploit the Pats in the passing game. Patriots win in Miami.

10. St. Louis Rams (1-10, Road 1-4) vs. Chicago Bears (4-7, Home 3-2)

Jay Cutler has thrown 15 interceptions in his last 7 games, and a career high 20 Int's on the season. The Bears are playing without pride, and may need a coaching change to ignite fire under a once proud franchise. The Rams are one of the worst teams in football. The lone bright spot on the Rams is Stephen Jackson. The Bears play pretty decent at home and should be able to piece together a win against a terrible Rams team.

11. New Orleans Saints (11-0, Road 5-0) vs. Washington Redskins (3-8, Home 3-2)

The Redskins just can't buy a break. They've lost their last two games by a combined total of 4 points. Both of those losses have been to divisional rivals (Cowboys, Eagles). Portis will be out for third straight game, leaving the bulk of the running back duties on Rock Cartwright and Quinton Ganther. The Saints have the most explosive offense in football. Drew Brees has to be mentioned with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Sean Payton is one of the best offensive minds in football. The Saints won't win as easily as you might think, but they will get the victory over the Redskins.

12. San Diego Chargers (8-3, Road 4-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (1-10, Home 0-4)

The San Diego Chargers may be the hottest team in the league along with the Saints, Colts, and Titans. Philip Rivers is quietly having an MVP caliber season. Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera has the Charger defense playing at a high level again. The Cleveland Browns are probably the worst team in all of football. They lack consistency at every position. The Browns are winless in the Dog Pound and will remain so when the Chargers come to town.

13. San Francisco 49ers (5-6, Road 1-4) vs. Seattle Seahawks (4-7, Home 3-2)

San Francisco and Seattle are both coming off much needed wins. The 49er offense is starting to look much more efficient with Alex Smith under center. Frank Gore will need more than the 33 yards rushing he had last week against the Jags if the 49ers hope to beat the seahawks on the road. Seahawk running back Justin Forsett has run for over 120 yards in 2 of the last 3 games. The Seahawks will find it difficult to run on the 49er's 5th ranked rush defense. The 49ers win a hard fought game.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-3, Road 3-2) vs. NY Giants (6-5, Home 3-2)

The Giants have been unable to get their power running game going. Their running game is an even bigger concern when you consider the injury to the foot of quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants looked pretty lifeless last week, losing to a reeling Broncos team. The defense will have to step up, particularly the secondary, if the Giants are going to make a run at the playoffs. The Cowboys are somewhat of an enigma. They need to get Marion Barber and Felix Jones going to take the pressure off Tony Romo. The Cowboys have performed terribly in December and January in the Romo era. Look for that trend to continue as the Giants sweep the season series.

15. Minnesota Vikings (10-1, Road 4-1) vs. Arizona Cardinals (7-4, Home 2-3)

The Minnesota Vikings may very well be the best team in the entire NFL. Brett Favre is playing the best football of his career, on one of the best teams he has played for. He has turned Sidney Rice into one of the better receivers in the league and Percy Harvin has to be considered for Rookie of the Year honors. The Cardinals are coming off a tough road loss against the Cardinals. Kurt Warner is listed as day to day, as he tries to comeback from a concussion suffered against the St. Louis Rams. Look for the Vikings to apply constant pressure as they move to 11-1.

16. Baltimore Ravens (6-5, Road 2-3) vx. Green Bay Packers (7-4, Home 4-2)

The Baltimore Ravens are right in the thick of the AFC wildcard playoff chase. The Ravens are coming off a huge win against AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Ray Rice is fast becoming one of the better running backs in the NFL. The Packers are tough to beat in Lambeau. Aaron Rodgers is one of the top quarterbacks in the league. They've won their last 3 in a row. During that time Aaron Rodgers has thrown 6 TD's and 0 Int's. Look for the Packers to hold the Ravens off in a hard hitting affair.