:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24239703/20131127_kkt_au3_083.0.jpg)
Week 13 kicked off with three Thanksgiving games. We correctly picked the winners against the spread for all three. The Sunday and Monday games that remain have playoff implications, which tends to be the case this time of year, no matter the matchup.
Knowing that, here are our picks against the Vegas spread for the rest of the Week 13 games.
Jaguars at Browns (-7): Brandon Weeden faces a team that has won two out of its last three. Cleveland's defense is solid, but the Jags have been playing a whole lot better. I don't trust Weeden and like how Jacksonville has been playing. Pick: Jags +7.
Titans at Colts (-4.5): Indy has been bad and is coming off a shellacking they got from the Arizona Cardinals. Tennessee lost to the Jags. Who do you trust? Andrew Luck. Indy gets some mojo back playing against the Titans at home. Pick: Colts -4.5.
Bears at Vikings (-1); After looking good for a couple of weeks, Josh McCown couldn't handle the Rams. Minnesota has been playing better. They beat Washington and had a big lead against the Packers. Yes, they lost that lead end settled with a tie, but playing at home will be enough to beat the fading Bears. Pick: Vikings -1.
Dolphins at Jets (-2): The Jets have been so up and down this season and the Dolphins have been equal odd. Both sit at 5-6 and 2-3 in their last five games. One of these teams will jump ahead in the playoff race. For my money, I take the more experienced QB in Ryan Tannehill. Pick: Miami +2.
Cardinals at Eagles (-3): This is one of the most intriguing games. Arizona has won four straight and have not scored less than 27 in those four games. Philly is coming off of a bye and has not allowed more than 21 in two months. However, the Cardinals defense is, in my opinion, enough to stave off the speed of the Philly attack. Nick Foles is due to turn the ball over and the Cards defense is good at taking it away. Pick: Cards +3.
Buccaneers at Panthers (-9): Carolina just came away with a won over the Dolphins. After seven straight wins, they are due for a hiccup. Tampa has won three straight of their own and Mike Glennon is playing well. Two very physical defenses face off. This is going to be a very tight game. I'm taking the points here.
Patriots (-7.5) at Texans: Houston is just terrible. New England is coming off their biggest win of the year. No way New England doesn't cover. Patriots win big.
Falcons at Bills (-3.5): Everyone keeps thinking that Atlanta will come around at some point. But after five straight losses, the talent on the roster just is too much to keep losing like this. I like the Falcons to right the ship a little.
Rams at 49ers (-8.5): San Fran looked better in a Monday night won over the Redskins. The Rams have been unstoppable on both offense and defense. With all the problems that the Niners have had offensively, the Rams will not help. They get after the QB. St. Louis will, at worst, keep it interesting. Take the points.
Broncos (-5.5) at Chiefs: Justin Houston is out and Tamba Hali is questionable. The only way that the Chiefs would have a chance is to get after Peyton Manning. Without these guys at 100 percent, Denver will have a lot easier road to victory. Plus, Manning will be out for blood after the loss to the Patriots. Broncos roll this game.
Bengals at Chargers (-1): Coming off their biggest win of the year, San Diego will face a Cincinnati team that is without their best defensive player. No Geno Atkins means Chargers points as Ken Whisenhunt continues to enjoy game planning with a quality quarterback. Chargers for the win.
Giants (-1.5) at Redskins: Washington is a hot mess. the Giants are not. They were hot until Tony Romo happened. New York for the win and give up the 1.5. No biggie.
Saints at Seahawks (-5): Seattle has issues in the secondary, but they are so, so good at home. Drew Brees is also not the same player away from New Orleans. Seattle continues their roll. I'm thinking Seahawks by a touchdown.
