It was not a great week on the picking front in Week 12, but that’s what you get when the action is as frantic and as exciting as it was last weekend. I went 8-5 last time out, taking my season totals to 116-65. With games being played on four different days, here are my selections for Week 13.
Chicago Bears (4-7) at Detroit (10-1)
The Bears have a shot at extending Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day losing streak to eight because Caleb Williams is playing better. But the Lions are building something special and score for fun at home.
Neil’s Pick… Detroit
New York Giants (2-9) at Dallas Cowboys (4-7)
The Cowboys have been talking very positively this week after snapping their five-game losing streak in Week 12. The Giants might be better off now that Drew Lock is likely playing at QB.
Neil’s Pick… Dallas
Miami Dolphins (5-6) at Green Bay Packers (8-3)
The Dolphins have traditionally struggled against good teams and in cold weather with Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa leading the way. But all streaks have to end. Why not at Lambeau?
Neil’s Pick… Miami
Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)
Antonio Pierce said this is the worst team in the league (his Raiders) against the best team in the NFL in the Chiefs. He’s not far off! Maxx Crosby must have an absolute day to keep this one close.
Neil’s Pick… Kansas City
Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
The Chargers have their flaws or talent deficiencies in certain areas, but at least you know what you’re going to get with them. Who knows which Falcons team is going to show up week to week?
Neil’s Pick… LA Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
With Russell Wilson throwing just one TD pass in the last two games, it’s going to be on Pittsburgh’s D to keep this tight. I think Joe Burrow can produce enough points for the Bengals.
Neil’s Pick… Cincinnati
Houston Texans (7-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
What, if anything, have the Jaguars done during their bye week to wash away the stench of that 52-6 loss in Detroit? Houston always have some troubles against the Jags. This could be close.
Neil’s Pick… Jacksonville
Arizona Cardinals (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
Will it be Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones? Just kidding! Darnold looked good last week against the Bears, throwing elsewhere as Justin Jefferson was double teamed. Minnesota to get to 10 wins.
Neil’s Pick… Minnesota
Indianapolis Colts (5-7) at New England Patriots (3-9)
This is the first of several very winnable games that could yet catapult the Colts into the AFC playoffs. The Patriots used to say their season started at Thanksgiving. This one is already over.
Neil’s Pick… Indianapolis
Seattle Seahawks (6-5) at New York Jets (3-8)
It’s been another couple of weeks of turmoil for the Jets. How do they now shake all that off and go and play a good game against a playoff-chasing team? I think Seattle sneak a close road win.
Neil’s Pick… Seattle
Tennessee Titans (3-8) at Washington Commanders (7-5)
Will Levis and the Titans’ offense have shown enough signs of life that I’m sniffing an upset against a sliding Washington team. But I can’t quite do it. Jayden Daniels just about rights the ship.
Neil’s Pick… Washington
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) at Carolina Panthers (3-8)
Playing the Panthers is not quite the foregone conclusion it used to be. Bryce Young is playing better and Chuba Hubbard is one of the NFL’s better backs. That said, the Bucs need this more.
Neil’s Pick… Tampa Bay
Los Angeles Rams (5-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-7)
The Saints have won two in a row and are still alive in the NFC South race. The mix of Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill helps the offense. And I think the defense will get after the Rams.
Neil’s Pick… New Orleans
Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) at Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
I wouldn’t be against this being a Super Bowl preview, given the star power on both teams. The Eagles are on an incredible run right now and I think Jalen Hurts can attack Baltimore’s pass D.
Neil’s Pick… Philadelphia
San Francisco 49ers (5-6) at Buffalo Bills (9-2)
As I write this, Brock Purdy has thrown just one pass in practice – a short screen – which suggests Brandon Allen could be playing QB again. This could be a Snow Globe wonderland for the Bills.
Neil’s Pick… Buffalo
Cleveland Browns (3-8) at Denver Broncos (7-5)
More Jameis Winston magic? History suggests that will not be the case. He and this team blow far too hot and cold, even though their highs are entertaining. Denver to stay on playoff track.
Neil’s Pick… Denver