Broncos-Dolphins and Week 13 Picks!

How bad is this week's Broncos-Dolphins game? The 3-8 Broncos have lost seven in a row and the 4-7 Dolphins have lost five in a row. Something has to give here, right? To make matters worse, the Broncos have to turn back to Trevor Siemian at QB again because Paxton Lynch hurt his ankle in the third quarter of last week's game against the Raiders and he is out 2-4 weeks with a high ankle sprain. So, now I am stuck with a crappy Broncos team playing out the string, and I have to sit through another game with Siemian. This Broncos season can't end fast enough. You know that Siemian will do just enough to win the next three games (Miami, Jets, and Indy) that it will probably knock Denver out of the top five in next year's draft. The Broncos currently sit fourth behind the Browns, Giants, and 49ers. We need to keep losing and we need those other teams to win a few games here. Anyway, for the first time in my life, I'm not going to be mad if Denver loses on Sunday. If Lynch were starting, I would want him to play well and the Broncos to win. I'm not doing that with Siemian at the helm. We all know he is not the guy (Backup QB option at best), and we need a franchise QB. We could possibly get that in this year's draft if we pick high enough, so let's lose out and see take our chances.

Denver (-1) over MIAMI
Final Score: Broncos-20 Dolphins-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 13.............


Last Week's Record: 10-5-1
Overall Record: 90-77-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BALTIMORE (-3) over Detroit: Two 6-5 teams battling it out in a cross-conference matchup with playoff considerations on the line. That is how I would sell this game if I was in the NFL business. I think the Ravens are making the playoffs as the #6 seed and I think they win this week at home, but I am nervous about this one.

CHICAGO (-3) over San Francisco: The Bears are due for a home win and I think they will thwart the 49ers in Soldier Field as they spoil Jimmy G's debut for San Fran.

ATLANTA (-3) over Minnesota: The Vikings are 9-2 and one of the biggest stories of the year led by MVP candidate Case Keenum. They head to Atlanta to take on the suddenly surging, 7-4 Falcons. I think Atlanta gets the victory in this one and improves to 8-4.

New England (-8) over BUFFALO: Sneaky good game in Buffalo on Sunday. The 6-5 Bills host the 9-2 Patriots. The Bills went back to Tyrod Taylor last week and they upset the Chiefs in Arrowhead. This week, I don't see the same result. The Pats will do what they do and take care of business.

Houston (+6) over TENNESSEE: I hope the Titans make the playoffs and at 7-4, they have a very solid chance in the putrid AFC, but they just don't impress you each week. They should win at home against the Texans, and I think they will, but I see Houston keeping it close until the end.

Indy (+10) over JACKSONVILLE: Jax will probably win the division and make the playoffs, and I think they win this game too, but I think the spread is too high and I'm taking the Colts.


Tampa Bay (+2) over GREEN BAY: The "Bay of Pigs" renews this week with Brett Hundley taking on Jameis Winston. I think with Winston back the Bucs will do enough to win this game on the road. Hopefully, the Packers can keep things afloat to give Aaron Rodgers a reason to comeback in Week 16.

Kansas City (-3) over NY JETS: The Chiefs are collapsing as we speak and at 6-5 they only lead the AFC West by one game. Now, they head to the Meadowlands to take on the 4-7 Jets. Give the Jets some credit because they play hard each and every week, but I think the Chiefs right the ship for this week with a huge, road win.

Carolina (+4) over NEW ORLEANS: Huge game in the NFC South this week in New Orleans. The Panthers and Saints are 8-3 and this game will go a long way to see who might win the division and possibly a wild card berth. On paper, it looks like a game that the Saints should win, but I have a feeling that the Panthers will pull the upset on the road. Call it my "Gut Call of the Week."

LA CHARGERS (-12) over Cleveland: The Chargers are 5-6 after an 0-4 start and combined with the Chiefs downfall, LA has a legitimate chance to win the AFC West. There is no way they will stumble this week at home against the 0-11 Browns.

ARIZONA (+7) over LA Rams: The Cardinals are 5-6 and playing hard for Bruce Arians. Give Blaine Gabbert some credit. He looks pretty good in his time as the Cardinals starter. I think they will be feisty enough to give the Rams trouble in Arizona this week. I think the Rams will pull it out, but this seems like a 27-24 type of game.

OAKLAND (-7) over NY Giants: The Giants benched Eli Manning this week in favor of Geno Smith, which is a debacle of a situation. Now, Geno gets to head to the Black Hole to take on the 5-6 Raiders. The Raiders aren't very good but after feasting on Paxton Lynch last week, they now get Smith this week. I'll take the Raiders at home to get to 6-6.

SEATTLE (+4) over Philly: Great game on Sunday Night Football as the 10-1 Eagles head to Seattle to take on the 7-4 Seahawks. Carson Wentz goes on the road to take on a playoff caliber team in their own building in primetime. This is what you are looking for as far as storylines go this late in the year in the NFL.

CINCY (+6) over Pittsburgh: At 5-6, the Bengals are only one game out of the AFC Wild Card picture. They are right in the thick of things and they need this win on Monday Night Football against their hated rivals. The Steelers are 9-2 and battling the Patriots for the #1 seed in the AFC. Very good game on MNF this week. I'll take the Bengals and the points.