Week 13 Predictions

Game to Watch: Saints @ Seahawks: As we mentioned in an earlier post, this game is bound to be the same game seen in the NFC Championship Game later in the season. Both New Orleans and Seattle are off to spectacular starts, and a win on Monday Night would almost ensure the number one seed in the playoffs. The game is being played in Seattle, where the Seahawks have not lost a game in CenturyLink Field since December of 2011. Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense has been absolutely spectacular, which also includes a fabulous running game led by Marshawn Lynch. Clearly the most valuable asset of this team is the defense, who have been impenetrable, particularly at home. Drew Brees and the Saints are leaving the safety of the Superdome to play the Seahawks outdoors. In the past, Drew Brees' spectacular numbers have seen a slight decrease when he plays outdoors, especially in poor conditions. The crowd in Seattle is always a factor in big games, so we predict the frightfully loud fans, mixed with Seattle well rounded team, will lead to a New Orleans Saints loss.
Prediction: Seahawks over Saints 23-13

Stand Out Performance: RB Adrian Peterson: Even though Adrian Peterson will likely fall short of the 2,000 yards rushing mark in 2013, he has already achieved 997 rushing yards with 10 rushing touchdowns. Last week, Peterson rushed for 146 yards and a score, whereas the defense he is facing this upcoming week, the Chicago Bears, allowed a whopping 196 yards and two touchdowns in their game against St. Louis last week. The last time Peterson played the Bears, Chicago forked up 100 rushing yards, but Peterson was unable to register a rushing touchdown that game. That will change on Sunday.
RB Adrian Peterson: 110 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns

Player to Watch: QB Robert Griffin III: The entire Robert Griffin III debate (to play, or not to play?) has taken a new turn following Washington's embarrassing loss to the 49ers. The Redskins are now 3.5 games out of the playoffs, and quarterback RGIII is clearly not playing like the same quarterback we saw last season. RGIII's passer rating in 2013 has dropped almost 20 points compared to his passer rating last season, and his 11 interceptions are currently ranked 9th in the league. Sunday will be a decisive game, as the Redskins coaching staff will need to decide between starting RGIII or Kirk Cousins in the following game.
QB Robert Griffin III: 225 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, FUM

Week 13 Predictions:

Lions over Packers (Correct)

Cowboys over Raiders (Correct)

Steelers over Ravens (Incorrect)

Panthers over Buccaneers

Browns over Jaguars

Patriots over Texans

Colts over Titans

Bears over Vikings

Dolphins over Jets

Cardinals over Eagles

Bills over Falcons

49ers over Rams

Broncos over Chiefs

Bengals over Chargers

Giants over Redskins

Seahawks over Saints

Week 13 Predictions (Thanksgiving Day)

On Thanksgiving Day, you eat an abundance of food, spend time with your family, listen to this strange stories from your weird Uncle Joe, and give thanks for all that you have; however, one of the greatest traditions of Thanksgiving is the football being played throughout the day. This year, the games  are not quite as good as in years past, but they are still worth watching in a day filled with food and laughter. The NFL Report wishes all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Packers @ Lions: This game would be ten times more interesting if Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers was in the starting lineup, but it seems as though Matt Flynn will be the starting quarterback for Green Bay for the first time since December 31, 2011. Last Sunday, Flynn replaced an injured Scott Tolzien, where Flynn overcame a 16 point deficit, eventually tying the game and sending it into overtime. In the end Green Bay tied the game, but Matt Flynn's comeback was a good sign for Packers fans. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions have lost back to back games, where their most recent loss came against the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The passing game is clearly the strength of this team, where the connection between Stafford and Calvin Johnson is by far the best in the NFL. Already tempers are flaring between these two teams, where Green Bay Packers lineman Josh Sitton accused Detroit's defense of taking "cheap shots all the time." These division rivals clearly do not like one another, so we can expect a decent amount of drama on Thanksgiving. A minor side note: Tomorrow marks the two year anniversary for Ndamukong Suh's infamous stomp against the Packers in 2011.
Prediction: Lions over Packers 31-17

"Their entire defense takes cheap shots all the time. That's what they do. That's who they are" - Packers Josh Sitton on the Lions defense
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 27, 2013

Raiders @ Cowboys: This game between the Cowboys and the Raiders appears to be somewhat of a mismatch, where the 4-7 Raiders are taking on the NFC-East leading Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of an emotional victory over their division rivals, the New York Giants. Even though many accuse Tony Romo of choking in the clutch, he was able to drive down the field, setting up a game winning field goal as time expired by kicker Dan Bailey. Dallas' defense this season has been atrocious, ranking 30th overall in passing yards allowed and 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed. The Oakland Raiders are 1-3 in their last four games, one of which was a loss against the New York Giants. With quarterback Terrelle Pryor still injured, the Raiders will have Matt McGloin start on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys. The Cowboys are the clear favorites in this matchup; if Dallas ends up losing tomorrow, they are completely undeserving of a spot in the playoffs.
Prediction: Cowboys over Raiders 28-14

Steelers @ Ravens: The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens were the best of rivals throughout the start of the 21st century. But the rivalry is no longer the same, where both teams are aging, and several key players have either left or retired. Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh are 5-6 in 2013, so a win on Thanksgiving will keep the playoff hopes alive. Ray Rice, who served as the core of Baltimore's offense during their Super Bowl run, has rushed for just 470 yards with 4 touchdowns in 2013, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Even quarterback Joe Flacco is having a down season, which is worrisome considering the Ravens signed him to a six year deal worth $120.6 million. After starting the season with a 0-4 record, the Pittsburgh Steelers have truly turned their game around, as their record stands at 5-2 in the past 7 games. I only wish this game took place 5 years ago on Thanksgiving Day, back when both teams were fierce competitors in the AFC North. In 2013, however, these two aging teams will do battle so they can remain in playoff contention.
Prediction: Steelers over Ravens 30-27 (OT)

Week 13 Predictions

(Abridged Version)

J. Meric/Getty Images

Falcons over Saints

Bills over Jaguars

Bears over Seahawks

Lions over Colts

Packers over Vikings

Panthers over Chiefs

Patriots over Dolphins (OT)

Jets over Cardinals

49ers over Rams

Texans over Titans

Broncos over Buccaneers (OT)

Ravens over Steelers

Browns over Raiders

Chargers over Bengals

Cowboys over Eagles

Giants over Redskins