NFL Preview: Week 13
Week 12 headlines Headlines included Brady besting Manning, the Packers fighting back to an OT tie with Minnesota and the AFC wildcard is anybody's for the taking. This week, Matt takes a look at all the games and gives his opinion on what each of these Thanksgiving fixtures mean.
Green Bay 21-24 Detroit
A huge comeback by Green Bay in week 12 kept them in the race for the NFC North. Detroit have lost their last two games and seem to have hit a stump. Stafford and co can't afford another loss for fear of allowing Chicago and Green Bay to take over the division. Similarly, Green Bay can't afford another loss with Rodgers being absent. I expect a close game with a narrow Detroit win here. Flynn to star at QB for Green Bay before Rodgers returns in week 14.
Oakland 17-31 Dallas
It hasn't been a great season for the Raiders, although there have been moments above mediocrity. Dallas got a huge win in New York on Sunday. This means that the NFC East is very much between the Cowboys and Eagles now. A comfortable home win here will keep Dallas in the driving seat. (Fantasy Watch: Dez Bryant)
Pittsburgh 17-21 Baltimore
The comeback is ON for the Steelers. Big ben has struck 12 and is ticking along nicely at present. Terrible puns aside, I expect a Ravens win. Its a grudge match here and it could be a big impact on that last wildcard spot in the AFC. Baltimore haven't been spectacular recently, but this crunch tie should serve up some big hits. A must watch.
Tennessee 21-27 Indianpolis
The Titans season is by no means over. In Chris Johnson, they have one of the in form running backs in the league. The Colts have the 27th ranked defence for rushing yards and the 15th in total. Despite their average defence, I expect Andrew Luck to bounce back at home. Such has been their season pattern; Win, Lose, Win, Lose and so on. Crucial game to pull away in their division.
Jacksonville 6-13 Cleveland
Another home win here. The Browns aren't dead just yet but I'd expect about as much success at the end of this season as their was at the end of 'The Cleveland Show'. A narrow win for Cleveland, with the Jags retaining some dignity in not losing by any more than 7.
Tampa Bay 17-24 Carolina
The Buccs are not a bad side. They proved that on Sunday by winning in Detroit. However, I expect Cam Newton and the best defence in the league to excel here. There have been a few close calls for Carolina with late comebacks, but home field should see them win another close game.
Chicago 21-16 Minnesota
The Vikings aren't what they were last season. Sufficed to say, Adrian Peterson can't do it by himself. Similarly, Forte has carried the Bears offence at times, too . This will be smash mouth football at its finest. Running the ball down each other's throats. Chicago to edge this NFC North game. (Fantasy Watch: Matt Forte)
New England 31-10 Houston
The Texans are conceding 26.3 points a game. Tom Brady just dismantled a defence with that same statistic. With not much offence to fall back on, the Patriots should surge here. I expect a big win in Texas with Tom Brady and the Gronk linking up for big fantasy points. (Fantasy Watch: Gronkowski and Brady)
Arizona 27-21 Philadelphia
The Cardinals are a team reborn right now. They are still in the hunt in the NFC and the Eagles haven't got the best home record in the league. It might be the worst after Jacksonville, in fact. I expect Palmer and Fitzgerald to pick up some TDs here. Foles is on form, though. This game could go down to the wire, with two exciting offences.
Miami 27-24 New York Jets
Another big game in the hunt for the AFC wildcard slot. Miami have recovered well this past week. New York have been just as up and down. Geno Smith has shown glimpses of his ability but not enough to prove that the Jets are a playoff team. That said, with both teams being so up and down, I'm tipping Miami to keep themselves in the race here, having won in week 12.
Atlanta 10-14 Buffalo
How about them Bills? Not really. They suck, but so do Atlanta. Together, we have two of the worst teams in the league this season. Matty ice has frozen up and Gonzalez won't get his Superbowl this year. Home win for Buffalo, who suck slightly less right now, with a 4-7 record.
Denver 34-31 Kansas City
What did we learn on Sunday? Peyton Manning doesn't like the cold. Guess what sports fans? It ain't cold in Kansas and the Chiefs have lost their last two games, one of which was against the Broncos. Bounce back win for the Broncos.
Cincinnati 27-31 San Diego
This is a tough one to call. On one hand, the Bengals are leading their division and are playing good football with the sixth best defence. On the other hand, Phillip Rivers is a top five quarterback this season with 3381 passing yards. I'm giving this to the home side, on the basis that Rivers is playing so well right now. A big win against the Chiefs last week will have them flying high.
New York Giants 23-10 Washington
Big Blue's playoff chances may be over after that devastating loss to Dallas on Sunday night. Expect the Giants to come back out fighting. Coughlin has said their next five games are must wins. With tough games to Seattle, San Diego and Detroit, Washington might be their best chance for big points. Washington's defence is among the worst right now, too. (Fantasy Watch: Jason Pierre-Paul)
New Orleans 17-21 Seattle
Round 2. We could be witnessing a preview of the NFC championship game on Monday night. The two top offences in the NFC and two of the best defences in the league makes for one tough contest. Seattle edge this one because of a slightly superior defence. New Orleans are averaging over 400 yards in passing a game, so this could be tight.
Thats the round up for this upcoming game week folks. Expect many upsets and more controversy, such has been the on running theme this season.