Nov 29 2008
NFL Picks–Week 13
Not a bad showing on Thursday. Let’s see what happens the rest of the week. Home teams are in CAPS:
CLEVELAND (+5) over Indianapolis
Rationale: Even though the Colts have been winning, it’s only been by the skin of their teeth. In Indy’s seven wins, six of them were by single digits and five of the six were by four points or less.
Baltimore (-7) over CINCINNATI
Rationale: Baltimore’s D will just be too much for a Bengals team that is just terrible.
ST. LOUIS (+8.5) over Miami
Rationale: The return of Steven Jackson should make the Rams somewhat better–at least enough to keep it close.
GREEN BAY (-3) over Carolina
Rationale: The Panthers have looked really bad on the road all season. They’re only averaging 16.8 points per game while allowing an average of 24.4 points. While it’s not reflected by their record, the Packers have been solid at home, averaging 27 points per game, while only allowing an average of 18 points.
TAMPA BAY (-4) over New Orleans
Rationale: NFC South teams are 21-2 at home and 8-13 on the road. The Home team is 7-0 so far in each divisional match-up.
New York Giants (-3.5) over WASHINGTON
Rationale: The G-Men have just looked like a juggernaut in recent weeks and it hasn’t mattered who they’ve inserted into the line-up. While the Redskins have a nice record, they haven’t looked dominant at any point this year.
BUFFALO (-6.5) over San Francisco
Rationale: West Coast teams playing on the East Coast are 0-15.
Atlanta (+4.5) over SAN DIEGO
Rationale: Neither team has a great D, but there’s just something about the Falcons. Atlanta is 2-1 against the AFC, while S.D. is 0-2 against the NFC. Michael Turner should have a nice day in his return to San Diego.
OAKLAND (-3) over Kansas City
Rationale: The Raiders thrashed the Chiefs at Arrowhead earlier in the season. Everyone has been overlooking the fact K.C. has lost 19 of their last 20 games and is coming off of a 54-31 loss. On the other hand, Oakland picked up a big win in Denver.
Pittsburgh (+1) over NEW ENGLAND
Rationale: The Steelers’ D slows down Matt Cassel and their offense gives them just enough to beat the Pats.
NEW YORK JETS (-8) over Denver
Rationale: The J-E-T-S have been on a roll and Brett Favre should be able to light up the Broncos’ porous pass defense.
MINNESOTA (-3.5) over Chicago
Rationale: The Vikings are a much better team at home and Da Bears have lost five of six in the Metrodome.
HOUSTON (-3) over Jacksonville
Rationale: The Jaguars have lost four of five on the road in Houston.
Thanksgiving Day: 2-1
Season: 101-76-3
