NFL Week 13 2009 Predictions

After us suggesting the Jets would have enough to beat the Bills last night, we’ll be hoping that form carries on over the weekend!

So here we go with the rest of this week’s picks for week 13 of the 2009 NFL season.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons
C – Atlanta did well to come away with the win against Tampa last week (Grrr…), some might say ‘lucky’. They’re missing Ryan and Turner (although Turner could well return fully this week, haven’t seen the latest report on Ryan) who are their 2 main weapons in offence. The Eagles have been looking more impressive as of late, although they did just about beat the Skins last week. McNabb is looking brutal, and DeSean Jackson is reaping the benefits of that. I’d say a comfortable Eagles win.

A – This has the makings of a terrific match, and not just because of all the bird puns we’re going to get over the weekend. Both teams are second in their divisions, and fighting for a wildcard spot whilst trying to keep the third placed teams (Panthers and Giants) behind them. The Falcons though, have no chance of catching the division leader but the NFC East is still to play for.
This is a tough game to call, but I think the injuries might be an obstacle too much for the Falcons so I’m picking an Eagles win.

G – I am going with the Eagles on this one, but this is a game where there will be feathers flying…..did you see what I did there? (Yes Graham. Everyone did. –Andrew)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
C – I opted for Tampa last week, and they just couldn’t finish the game off and ended up losing in the last few moments. They’re looking better, no doubt about that, but the defence couldn’t hold on and that’s the difference between winning and losing games like that. To be honest i’m expecting the same this week. Freeman played a good game and is looking like he could become a big name in the NFL over the coming years. I’ve no doubt he can get the team points on the board. I just think the Panthers will end up out scoring them. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be up for this game so watch out for them bullying the Tampa D. Panthers to win.

A – Yeah, I have to agree with Craig here. The Bucs are doing as much right as they can do at the moment, but the Panthers are a stronger side overall and are also finding their groove at a good time. It remains to be seen whether they can make themselves a factor in the wildcard race, but I fancy them here.

G – Panthers again for me, but this game really could end up being a close one.

St. Louis Rams @ Chicago Bears
C – The Rams battled away against Seattle last week, it just wasn’t enough. Unfortunately the lack of options at wide receiver showed and they weren’t really able to muster anything great. Jackson managed another TD which is great for him, but he can’t be relied on each and every week. Something needs to happen at the Edward Jones Dome before they get stuck in a rut. The Bears got tore apart at the hands of the Vikings. Jay Cutler isn’t have a bad season, but as games progress he seems to get frustrated and his passes get wild, resulting in picks. Only 2 against Minnesota though, i expected more. I still think he will get the job done against the Rams though. Chicago win.

A – The Rams have been in some good games, and have been unlucky at times. They still look poor, but have found ways to hang in there. Most notably against the Saints. The Bears… well, they’re shaping up to be this year’s biggest disappointment. However, I fancy them here.

G – The Rams are looking fair now, but it is still very difficult to pick them. The Bears for me this week.

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
C – As impressive the Titans have been at late, how i can opt against a team that is currently undefeated? The Colts seem to have found a knack of winning games that they are losing by busting out big plays, both offensively and defensively. Last week a prime example. Houston have a great lead at half time, and then BAM! 21 points in the 4th quarter. Amazing stuff. I think the Titans will prove to be a stern opposition however. Since Vince Young has taken the reigns at QB they look like the team that went 9-0 last year. He’s really made me take notice. Alas, i foresee a Colts victory.

A – The Titans have made big strides that they will be looking to build on, and Vince Young’s (long-awaited?) emergence as leader of the team is a massive step forwards for the future. We’ll talk about Chris Johnson soon, I’m sure, as he’s bearing down on the rushing record mark for the season.
But the Colts are something else right now. In the last 5 games they’ve come back to win after being behind in the 4th quarter. This is a team that to beat you’re going to have to put them away in the first half and hang on… I can’t see the Titans doing either of those things.

G – The Titans have surprised me the last few weeks and I have lost a few picks by going against them. Never to be put off, I will not be picking them again this week. The Colts still look great and I expect a win here.

Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
C – The Broncos surprised everyone last week i think with a 20 point win over the Giants. Yes, they did go 6-0 at the start of the season, but then they went on a losing streak (4 on the trot). I didn’t expect them to come out and win, especially by the margin they did. Could be the turn-around point of the season which could seem them march on to the play offs. Wild card possibility? I think the Chargers have their division wrapped up. The Chiefs are having a disappointing season by all means. 3-8, no chance of the play offs. It’s now just about finishing strong for them, but i can’t see it starting this week. Broncos win.

A – The Broncos aren’t a bad side, but it took them too long to arrest their slide after the strong start. The Chiefs, much like the Bucs, are building and continually improving but think they’ll struggle this week. Broncos to win.

G – I still rate the Broncos and was probably foolish not to pick them last week. They should have more than enough to see off the Chiefs.

New Orleans Saints @ Washington Redskins
C – This prediction has nothing to do with the Saints being undefeated, i just see them winning this game. They have been amazing this year though. Last week Brees only hit 18 passes, but they went for an average of 21 yards each, and a TD every 4 plays. That is immense. So sorry Skins fans (Andrew >_>), but i see another loss coming your way to add to a bad season.

A – There are probably 27 other teams I’d rather face than the Saints. No need to apologise Craig, they’re gonna have fun with us in all aspects of the game. I see embarrassment.

G – It is going to take more than the home advantage to save the Skins here. Regardless of the opponent I would say Saints win this week anyway.

Oakland Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers
C – Aaah the Steelers, current Superbowl champions.. what happened to that team? Currently on a 3 loss streak.. First the Bengals (for the second time this season), a shock loss to Kansas, and a loss last week to the Ravens (That’s two big divisional games), a current overall record of 6-5. Normally i’d say that they should win this game with ease, but i think that it will be closer than they would like. Oakland are tough to break down, and Ben ‘Will Ferrell’ Roethlisberger will need to bring a good game to get the better of them. In all, i’m going to say a Steelers win.

A – The Steelers’ form this year has been disappointing, but not particularly unexpected based on recent history. And although the Ravens have also struggled to make their mark on the division it’s the Bengals who are seizing the moment. However, I think any post-season party is poorer for the Steelers not being invited. But beyond wanting them there, they’re a better unit than the Raiders and I fancy them to get the job done this week.

G – Expect the Steelers to get things level again this week with a win.

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
C – As i said before, i like Houston. They’re a decent team playing well. Schaub had a great first half against the Colts last week, but as is fitting with his season so far his second half was the opposite. He either starts strong and finishes weak, or starts weak and finishes strong. Before people can start calling him a ‘great’ NFL QB he needs to get this together and be constant. He has the ability to be a great, so lets see how he goes. That said, i think he, and the Texans, will win this bout. Jacksonville have also been up and down this season. MJD has been non-exsitant these last few games (66 yards against the Bills was a bit shocking in my opinion) so he needs to step up and make some noise this week. So yeah, Texans win.

A – Talk about a bogey match. The two teams I have the most trouble predicting together in one match. I backed the Texans last time, who let me down, but I think they’re the stronger team at the moment so will see if they can get the job done this time.

G – I am going against you boys here and picking the Jaguars. I feel they are the slightly more consistent team, which coupled with the home advantage might just swing it their way.

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
C – After getting slaughtered at the hands of New Orleans you’ve gotta think that the Pats are going to come into this game all guns blazing. This was a team loss and both sides let each other down, so now they need to rally together and push on. Miami too have come off a disappointing week so they’ll probably be feeling the same. This could be a great game, but at the end of it i think the passing game of the Pats will win the game.

A – Sorry Graham, but I think the spanking the Pats took at the hands of the Saints last week will make for a painful game for the ‘Fins this week.

G – The Pats arn’t all that…..I would have to be mad to pick Miami right? The Dolphins can win this, I am sure. Miami win! (disclaimer, don’t put any money on this fan blindness pick)

Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals
C – Although the Bengals haven’t been putting big scores up as of late i still think they will have enough to beat the Lions. I think the lack of Cedric Benson has affected the offensive output overall, but i’ll be expected Palmer to start getting some scores this week. 3TDs? The Lions have certainly been a better team this term, and Stafford has definitely helped with that, but the defence is still leaky and they can’t be expected to win games by simply outscoring the opposition. The Bengals defence will hold tight so it will be a struggle for them to do that. Bengals win.

A – I see a low scoring game going the Bengals way.

G – This should be a comfortable win for the Bengals.

San Diego Chargers @ Cleveland Browns
C – The Chargers are on a roll and will be crowned champions of their division. No doubt. They have been superb, especially these last few weeks. Everyone is playing a part in it too. I don’t see them having a problem beating a down and out Browns side. Morale is low, the fans are getting on their back, it’s a no win situation this season. Chargers to have another big game and win.

A – Like I said last week, there are not many teams that I’ll back to beat the Chargers. The Browns aren’t one of them either.

G – I think the home advantage might swing the Chargers way here! I can’t see the Browns coming close to an on form San Diego, Chargers win.

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
C – A massive game for both teams. If the Cowboys win then they’ve all but won the division. If the Giants lose, they’ve all but missed out on the play offs. So i expect it to be high on action, fast paced and brutal. Everything i love about the game. Both quarterbacks are inconsistent and all eyes will be on them. Romo v Eli. In the end, i think it’ll be Romo that comes out on top.

A – A big NFC East matchup. Both teams have lost games that they shouldn’t have this year, and the Cowboys are shaping up for their usual late-season meltdown. The Giants have already had theres, and have struggled through a terrible few weeks. With the Redskins not being, you know, very good, these two teams have let the Eagles come well and truly back into contention. Will the NFC East send three teams into the post-season again? It’s not looking likely, but a Giants win mix things up nicely.
Personally, I can’t see past the Cowboys here. They’ve not been playing well (neither team has) but I think that they will step up when they need to.

G – On first glance I was leaning towards the Giants, but I just don’t have the confidence. I am going for a Cowboys win from a hard fought battle.

San Francsico 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
C – I think this will be a closer game than at first glance. The 49ers seem solid enough. Good defence, good offence. Seattle are probably a little stronger on the offensive side of things but weaker on the defensive. Forsett has done very well since coming in for Jones, rumour is though that Jones will be playing this weekend. We’ll see what happens. I do like the 49ers though and i see them grinding out a victory this week.

A – I’m still a little miffed that the Seahawks haven’t been better this year. Not because I particularly admire them (no more than many other teams) but I had thought they would do.
The 49ers continue to impress and I for one am happy to see Alex Smith playing (for starters!) and doing so fairly well. This is a big divisional game for the 49ers, as a win will see them sneak up on the Cardinals and leave the Seahawks behind. Graham’s enthusiasm for the ‘niners is also somewhat infectious, so I find myself backing them this week.

G – Glad to see everyone has picked the 49ers this week (should we expect a loss?). I still think there is more to come, lets just hope Singletary can beat it out of them. 49ers win.

Minnesota Vikings @ Arizona Cardinals
C – I just can’t bring myself to vote against the Vikings. They’re immense. Everything is clicking. Favre has been amazing this season and i’m so glad he’s come out of retirement again and proven EVERYBODY wrong. He’s still got it, and he’s making sure everybody knows it. An average team has become a Superbowl contender because of 1 man coming in and doing his thing. I think the Cardinals are running out of steam and i don’t see them doing a repeat of last year and getting to the SB. Vikings win. Most definitely.

A – Graham an I both thought before the season started that the Cardinals weren’t likely to repeat post-season success, and with this game and the 49ers doing well they’re likely to find themselves struggling just to make the post-season.
Like Craig, I can’t look past the Vikings here, but I do think the Cards will give them a good game.

G – Vikings win, but as Andrew says it could be a close one. The Cards always look stronger at home.

Baltimore Ravens @ Green Bay Packers
C – Coming off a great divisional win last week, the Ravens will be full of confidence. They face a tough challenge this week though against the Packers on their own turf. It’s going to be very tough, but i’ll be looking towards the defence this week as i think this is what can win them the game. If they can put pressure on Rodgers they will get through to him and put him on his arse (pardon my French) many a time. Keep him occupied and we should be ok. If we don’t then he can cause a lot of trouble, he has a great arm and great receivers. Our defence on the rush is pretty good, so Ryan Grant should be kept in check. Then it’s all about Flacco and Rice doing their thing. Like i said, it will be very tough, but if we go in thinking we can win, we shall. Ravens win.

A – I like the Pack here. The Ravens haven’t been the dominant defensive team we’re used to them being (by their own high standards at least) and whilst Green Bay probably aren’t a great team, they are a very good team. I’m also a big fan of Rodgers, who I think is playing out of his skin back there behind the most porous o-line in the league. His numbers are incredible and like Craig says above – give him time and he’ll punish you. Packers to win.

G – Green Bay for me this week. I am looking forward to this game though, it could be a classic.

So there we are… we don’t disagree much this week, which is unusual. However, as is usually the case there are several games that could go either way… Let’s so how accurate we are!

	Andrew	Graham	Craig		Offical MAC Prediction
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills in Toronto, Canada
Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
St. Louis Rams @ Chicago Bears
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
New Orleans Saints @ Washington Redskins
Oakland Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals
San Diego Chargers @ Cleveland Browns
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
San Francsico 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota Vikings @ Arizona Cardinals
Baltimore Ravens @ Green Bay Packers

Image Credit: MichaelWalker