Week 13 NFL Projections

Last week: 11-2
Season: 112-41

Pittsburgh Steelers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 14

The last time these two clashed, I picked Pittsburgh because the lack of Cincy's quality wins. Well, that was just three weeks ago. Since then, the Bengals fell to yet another playoff team in the Ravens, and then barely squeaked by the bottom-dwelling Browns. Cincinnati has not beaten a single team currently with a winning record this season, and that says it all.

Atlanta Falcons 20, Houston Texans 17

Maybe T.J. Yates will surprise us. He has a healthier Andre Johnson to help him out, and one of the best o-lines/running back corps in the league on his side. But I will still take the safer pick here, as Michael Turner has been ruled healthy enough to play for Atlanta.

New Orleans Saints 34, Detroit Lions 27

This game has the makings of a shootout. Even with Ndamukong Suh to clog up the middle, the Lions' rush defense hasn't been very good, but with his absence, a guy potentially getting after Drew Brees all day is being taken away. New Orleans might rush Mark Ingram and crew a bit more than usual today, en route to a W in an eventful ballgame.

Green Bay Packers 31, New York Giants 20
Buffalo Bills 24, Tennessee Titans 23
Chicago Bears 24, Kansas City Chiefs 6
Miami Dolphins 24, Oakland Raiders 21
Denver Broncos 17, Minnesota Vikings 14
New England Patriots 45, Indianapolis Colts 20
Carolina Panthers 21, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13
New York Jets 20, Washington Redskins 16
Baltimore Ravens 27, Cleveland Browns 17
Dallas Cowboys 28, Arizona Cardinals 23
San Francisco 49ers 28, St. Louis Rams 24
San Diego Chargers 20, Jacksonville Jaguars 13

Thursday's Eagles at Seahawks game had already been played when this was written.

Week 6 NFL Projections

Last week: 10-3
Season: 46-15

Detroit Lions 27, San Francisco 49ers 24

The 49ers may have surprised some people more than the Lions have to start this season. Everyone was aware of the talent Matthew Stafford possessed, but Alex Smith? He's looked like a legitimate NFL quarterback so far, albeit a very reliable one. He's only thrown one pick in his team's first five games. Nonetheless, the Lions are playing with a purpose right now; their entire team is on a roll. Look for them to stay undefeated, and Stafford to connect with Megatron for the receiver to reach double-digits in touchdowns this early in the season.

Buffalo Bills 30, New York Giants 27

This is a very good week to pick against the Bills. They haven't been able to cover teams' number three receiver at all this season, as demonstrated by Jason Avant's 160 yards last week. And the Giants have one looking to continue a breakout season in Victor Cruz, who is primed to have a huge day. However, the Giants defense wasn't what it once was, and should be susceptible to the Bills high-powered attack. The Bills have had success both running the ball with Fred Jackson and through the air, and the Giants D is barely average against both this year. Look for the surprise Bills to get to 5-1 after this high scoring affair.

Baltimore Ravens 24, Houston Texans 17

The Ravens had a bye last weekend, a huge advantage for their aging defense. And while Arian Foster is healthy, they are without another offensive cornerstone in Andre Johnson, obviously Matt Schaub's favorite target. The Texans brought in Derrick Mason for a little bit of help, but he and Schaub won't have any chemistry so soon. Behind Johnson, Houston doesn't have anyone worthy of filling in as a number one. This could keep them from a win, no matter how much they have cleaned up their defense.

New Orleans Saints 34, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20

The Bucs got smacked around last week against San Francisco, and it certainly doesn't look any better for them facing the high-powered Saints. Certainly they will put up more than the field goal they managed last weekend, but the way their offense has played lately they don't have a shot at putting up points to stay even with the Saints. Josh Freeman hasn't played like the guy he was last year, and if he wants a win today at home he'll need a career game.

Atlanta Falcons 23, Carolina Panthers 20
Washington Redskins 31, Philadelphia Eagles 28
Cincinnati Bengals 26, Indianapolis Colts 20
Green Bay Packers 41, St. Louis Rams 13
Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Jacksonville Jaguars 19
Oakland Raiders 26, Cleveland Browns 13
New England Patriots 27, Dallas Cowboys 20
Chicago Bears 20, Minnesota Vikings 14
New York Jets 26, Miami Dolphins 6