Broncos-Bengals and Week 13 Picks!

The Broncos are 5-6 after beating the Chargers and Steelers in back-to-back weeks and now they head to Cincy to take on the Bengals, who are struggling and without Andy Dalton for the rest of the season due to a thumb injury. The Broncos suddenly find themselves in the thick of the AFC playoff picture as we head into December. No one saw that coming a few weeks ago. I know Denver is the favorite here in this spot, but can you really trust the Broncos at this point? I want to and I am pumped up for Sunday's game, but I still worry this was the team that was 3-6 and played sloppy in most of the road games they had this year. I want to put my faith in them, but I'm just not ready to do it just yet. I don't want to get my hopes up and get burned.

Prediction: CINCY (+4) over Denver
Final Score: Bengals-24 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Weeks 13 in the National Football League...............

Last Week's Record: 6-8-1
Overall Record: 84-80-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Indy (-4) over JACKSONVILLE: The Colts are red-hot at 6-5 and Andrew Luck is playing like a MVP candidate. Look for the Colts to continue their winning ways as they take down the wounded Jags in Jacksonville.

Carolina (-3) over TAMPA BAY: The Panthers have lost 3 in a row and are now 6-5. They head to Tampa to take on the 4-7 Bucs. The Panthers have to win this game, and I think they will get things straightened out this week and get to 7-5.

ATLANTA (-1) over Baltimore: The Falcons are 4-7 and have been a huge disappointment this year. They are due for a convincing win and I think this is the week they will do it. The Ravens are 6-5 and Lamar Jackson has won his first two starts, but I'm skeptical of how he will fare in his first road start.

Cleveland (+6) over HOUSTON: The Browns are 4-6-1 and they have played better since they fired Hue Jackson. Baker Mayfield has also gotten hot as well. The Texans have won eight in row, and I think they are due for a loss. I'll take the Browns and the upset in this spot.

MIAMI (-4) over Buffalo: The Dolphins are 5-6 and still in the AFC Wild Card race, and they host the 4-7 Bills. I think Miami wins this weeks and keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Chicago (-4) over NY GIANTS: The Bears will probably start Chase Daniel this week for the injured Mitch Trubisky, and I think they will be fine as they take care of the 3-8 Giants.

LA Rams (-10) over DETROIT: The Rams will continue to roll and pound the 4-7 Lions in Detroit as they move to 11-1.

GREEN BAY (-13) over Arizona: The Packers are 4-6-1, and it looks like they will need to run the table to at least have a chance to make the playoffs. I think they roll the Cards this week in Lambeau.

Kansas City (-13) over OAKLAND: The Raiders have no chance this week of upsetting the Chiefs. KC is coming off a bye and that tough loss to the Rams two weeks ago. I think they take care of business easily in Oakland.

NY JETS (+8) over Tennessee: The Titans will win the game, but I think this game will be closer. The Jets have to show some fight these final five weeks. I think they will play the Titans tough in this one.

NEW ENGLAND (-4) over Minnesota: The Pats will bring their "A" game this week, and I think they will blow out the 6-4-1 Vikings. I just have a hunch the Pats will play one of their best games of the year this week in Foxboro.

SEATTLE (-10) over San Francisco: The Seahawks are 6-5 and in the Wild Card mix in the NFC, and they will easily dispose of the 49ers this week.

PITTSBURGH (-3) over LA Chargers: The Steelers will get back on track after losing last week to the Broncos. Both of these teams figure to be AFC contenders in January, and I think the Steelers will take care of business on Sunday Night Football this week.

PHILLY (-6) over Washington: The Eagles are 5-6 and they need to basically run the table to get into the playoffs. The Redskins are 5-6 and Alex Smith is gone for the season and now they are relying on Colt McCoy. I think the Eagles will win this one at home on Monday Night Football, and get to 6-6.