Week 13 picks
Matt Barkley made some nice throws against the Titans, including what should have been a touchdown at the end of the game. But as bad as their record is, the 49ers are still playing hard.
The Chiefs are coming off an emotional win, and their defense is going to hold up, but their offense is going to have too many three-and-outs. The Falcons offense is too potent.
This figures to be a shootout. Matthew Stafford is making it happen for the Lions, who are a bit underrated on defense. The Saints have Drew Brees, but their defense is lousy.
Bill Belichick will have some defensive wrinkles dialed up for rookie quarterback Jared Goff. The Rams have been trying to get back on track defensively since the end of their loss to the Dolphins on Nov. 20.
Just when he gets his mojo back, Trevor Siemian will miss the game with a sprained foot. But the Broncos defense is tuned up, and the team is ready to bounce back from its overtime loss to the Chiefs.
The Texans aren't as good on the road. Even though the Packers can't run it, and the Texans defense is No. 5 against the pass, it's hard to bet against Aaron Rodgers in these.
The Bengals struggle on offense without A.J. Green, and the Eagles defense is pretty good. The Eagles are lacking weapons on offense, but Darren Sproles can make a difference.
The Dolphins have quietly won six in a row, and they can control the clock with the run. The Ravens defense is solid, and they are
at home, but the edge goes to Miami here.
As long as Derek Carr's pinkie is OK, he's got plenty of weapons
in that Silver & Black arsenal. The Bills will be vulnerable defensively, and they have to travel across the country.
Eli Manning has a robust cast of receivers, and the Giants have won six in a row. The Steelers defense is nothing special, and the Giants' front four can get to Ben Roethlisberger.
The Cardinals are getting Tyvon Branch back, and that will help their defense, but this team has not been able to get on track. The Redskins can put up some points.
Jameis Winston is avoiding the turnovers that plagued him earlier in the season, and the Bucs' front seven is getting to the quarterback. Mike Evans presents problems for the Chargers defense.
The Panthers are staying on the West Coast after playing in Oakland, and they showed heart against the Raiders. Still, the edge goes to the Seahawks because they are so tough at home.
This one hinges on Andrew Luck playing as he's coming off a concussion. The Jets are playing tough defense, but Luck will make a few more plays than Ryan Fitzpatrick.