Week 13 NFL Preview

Last week's top games had some big ups and down and gave us some excitement and surprise. In a matchup of two slumping teams, the Broncos showed up and played very well while the Giants didn't and their defense was exposed again. The Broncos erased some of their recent problems while the Giants continued their sudden fall. In the Texans-Colts rematch, it looked like the Texans were about to end the Colts' perfect season, but the Colts' second half was good enough to overcome the deficit to stay undefeated and beat the Texans...again. This game showed that even though the Texans have made progress; the Colts still have an edge on them. The Steelers and the Ravens gave us another tough close game. One that needed overtime to settle with the Ravens getting a little revenge for last year's three losses and have added to the Steelers recent losing streak. The Steelers are in definite need of a win next week as they find themselves in third place in their division now. And in the most anticipated of the week, the Saints put on a showcase at home against the Patriots. The Saints dominated in all phrases and it wasn't really close at all. It was a huge win for the Saints as they stay undefeated and got a big confidence boost going forward.

In other action, the Chargers continued their winning ways and have won six straight now. QB Vince Young got the best of the Cardinals and QB Matt Leinart at the end with a touchdown to win the game with seconds to go.

All and all, I went 14-2 last week and brings my total to 135-41 after twelve weeks.

Now for Week 13:

Games of the Week:
Titans at Colts: The Titans are rolling at 5-6 after starting 0-6 while the Colts come in 11-0. Can the Titans win six in a row and end the Colts' perfect season? The Titans have been good since QB Vince Young took over, but I'm not sure they will have enough to edge out the Colts. The Colts have won quite a few close ones and they are battle tested. Pick: Colts

Cowboys at Giants: The Giants ruined the Cowboys' opening of the "Palace in Dallas" in September. But these are two different teams now. The Giants are struggling on defense while the Cowboys come in neck and neck with the Eagles for the division lead. This one looks like a Cowboys win, but the Giants are tough and will hopefully show a little more heart this week. Pick: Cowboys

Sunday Night: Vikings at Cardinals: The Vikings are rolling along and sit at 10-1. We have seen the rebirth of sorts of QB Brett Favre as he is playing at the top of his game. But on the other sideline stands an older QB in Kurt Warner, who has given the Cardinals franchise a lot of wins and faith in the last couple seasons. The Cardinals have continued their strong play of a year ago and this would another statement win if they can slow down the Vikings' offense. Pick: Vikings

Monday Night: Ravens at Packers: Both of these teams hit midseason swoons, but look to be coming out those. Both are starting to get going on offense and it could come down to a turnover or two in this one. Expect a close one that will be fairly low scoring. Pick: Packers

Rest of the pack:
Thursday Night: Jets at Bills: The Jets have been good and average all in one this year. The Bills have snuck in a few wins, but have not overcome many of their offensive problems. They are starting to give WR Terrell Owens involved in the offense and he should be a big part of this game if they are to win. Pick: Jets

Eagles at Falcons: The Falcons come in limping while the Eagles come in playing pretty well and know they have a fight with the Cowboys and the Giants on their trail. The injuries for the Falcons might be the difference in what would probably be a much closer game. Pick: Eagles

Rams at Bears: The Bears and QB Jay Cutler can fix some of their problems against one of the NFL's worst teams. The Rams are starting to prepare for next year, but still want to end this season on a high note and should play strong despite injuries and mismatches on the field. Pick: Bears

Lions at Bengals: The Lions are still not very good. The Bengals want to continue winning moving toward the postseason. Pick: Bengals

Patriots at Dolphins: The Patriots didn't look very good at New Orleans and now have to travel to Miami, where they haven't had easy games against the Dolphins. The Dolphins always play the Patriots tough and could easily get a win and get themselves back in the playoff race. The Patriots don't lose back to back games and haven't in a while. Pick: Patriots

Raiders at Steelers: The Steelers are reeling and get the Raiders this week. This used to be a big rivalry in the 1970s, but these two teams are in different places. Expect the Steelers to play angry after some stumbles lately. Pick: Steelers

Saints at Redskins: The Saints take their perfect record to D.C. against a team that has begun to play better and more motivated as of late. Can the Redskins play well enough to knock off the Saints? It is hard to see it. Pick: Saints

Buccaneers at Panthers: These two teams are showed improvement after bad starts and these two generally play close ones. The Panthers will probably look to control the ball and pick apart holes in the defense. Pick: Panthers

Texans at Jaguars: The Texans let one get away last week and played very well against the Jaguars earlier this year. The Jaguars are starting to continue to play a little more consistent and should provide for a close one. Pick: Texans

Chargers at Browns: The Chargers are rolling over teams and the Browns are usually getting rolled over. Expect more of the same. Pick: Chargers

49ers at Seahawks: These two have played a game of back and forth in recent years. The 49ers have taken a couple steps forward the last couple years while the Seahawks have taken a couple steps back. This one is one that the 49ers need as a bit of a statement as they try to make a playoff run. Pick: 49ers

We are now in December and teams will begin to slowly fall to side and the playoff atmosphere will begin to emerge as teams enter must win games. Can the Colts and the Saints keep their winning ways going? Will the Chargers win another? Will the Steelers stop their skid? We shall see.