The Thursday night football game between the Philadlephia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks did not go as we predicted, but we continue with our 'expert' picks against the spread for Week 13 of the NFL. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were supposed to face off this week, but Manning's injury and Curtis Painter's poor play bring us to Dan Orlovsky, who may well go down in history as the only quarterback to start for two 0-16 teams. Tim Tebow also tries to continue with his run of success and get the Broncos to the playoffs.
Hit the jump to see our early game picks.
Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (-1.5): Buffalo returns home, where they have four of their five wins. Tennessee is only 2-3 on the road and the Bills are desperately trying to stay competitive after an amazing start. With a low line to cover at home, they are the way to go. Pick: Bills, -1.5.
Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears (-7.0): The Bears host the struggling Chiefs, but it is the Bears' Caleb Hanie up against Tyler Palko for the CHiefs. Knowing that they will likely be a wash in that matchup, you look to the running games and defenses. Bears have the advantage in both. Look for the Bears defense to force costly turnovers. Pick: Bears, -7.0.
Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins (-3.0): Miami has been playing teams very tough, but Oakland is in the thick of things in the AFC West. Oakland has played very well on the road, while Miami has struggled at home. Pick: Oakland, +3.0.
Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings (-1.0): I don't get why the Broncos aren't favored in every game -- especially against a Vikings team that is bad. Tim Tebow is simply a winner. The magic will continue. Pick: Broncos, +1.0.
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots (-20.0): This spread is huge, but Tom Brady is ruthless. Dan Orlovsky is not the answer for the Colts. I usually giving this many points, but in this case it only makes sense. Pick: Patriots, -20.0.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5): The Steelers already beat them once in Cincinnati, but the Bengals covered. Playing at home to keep a division rival at bay, especially after a not to great showing on national television against the Chiefs, you can give away a touchdown. Pick; Steelers, -6.5.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5). Tampa gives up a lot of points through the air. Cam Newton loves to throw the ball. Josh Freeman struggling with an injured thumb. Take the points. Pick: Panthers, +3,5.
New York Jets at Washington Redskins (+3.0): The Jet's schedule is staring look more favorable and the Redskins you just can't trust after they gave up a 10 point lead to the Seahawks. Pick: Jets, -3.0.
Atlanta Falcons at Houston Texans (+3.0): Atlanta plays the run very tough. Houston runs the ball well. Houston has been ravaged by key injuries this season. They start rookie third-stringer T.J. Yates after having lost both Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart for the rest of the season. But the Texans are tough. Pick: Houston, +3.0.