NFL Predictions: Week 13

Everyone please remember the family and friends of Sean Taylor, the Pro Bowl safety of the Washington Redskins who tragically passed away today after being shot during a home invasion early Monday morning. Taylor was a dynamic player and when he was on the field, no one gave it any more or played any harder than Sean Taylor. After some clashes with authority both on and off the field his first couple of years, the birth of his daughter Jackie last year seemed to have matured Taylor and he was fast becoming a leader on the Redskins defense and seemed destined for greatness. Another young life cut short by violence, it is so incredibly sad. The whole NFL community will remember Sean Taylor this weekend at stadiums around the country and let's all keep his family, friends and especially his 1 yr. old daughter Jackie in our thoughts and prayers. Forward we go.

I nailed it last week, going 6-1. I should be charging $50 a shot for this info, but hey, what are friends for, so here we go with Week 13 in the NFL:

Green Bay @ Dallas: These two teams have a storied history of great games in the NFL. They played what may be one of the greatest championship games in NFL history, the 1967 NFL Championship game, known fondly as "The Ice Bowl". This year these teams have pretty identical stats and are both 10-1 going into this game. Although Favre is 0-8 in trips to Dallas, no one is playing better QB right now in the NFL than Brett Favre. Green Bay +7.

Buffalo @ Washington: This game is going to be an incredibly emotional time for the Redskins. They are going to play their hearts out for their fallen teammate, question is can they focus enough to get the win. I say yes. Washington -5 1/2.

Detroit @ Minnesota: This game may have big playoff implications. The wildcards are still wide open in the NFC and the winner of this game may have enough momentum to guide them to the playoffs. Minnesota's defense looked fantastic last week against the Giants. Adrian Petersen looks like he will play this week. Minnesota -3 1/2.

Denver @ Oakland: Simply put, this is a must win for Denver if they have any hope of making the playoffs. Denver - 3 1/2.

NY Giants @ Chicago: The Giants need a win badly to stay in the playoff hunt, as do the Bears. Chicago has consistently been inconsistent this year and can't seem to string two good games together. I look for that trend to continue and the Giants to bounce back from the trouncing they took from Minnesota last week. NY Giants -2.

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh needs a good showing to silence the critics and regain momentum towards the playoffs after losing to the Jets and barely getting by Miami this past Monday night in the Slog Bowl. Cincinnati has been a huge disappointment this season and in my opinion, coach Marvin Lewis' job is on the line. See ya Marv. Pittsburgh -7.

New England @ Baltimore: I know the Pats were almost upset last week by the Eagles. I also know that Baltimore has maybe the worst looking offense in the league right now.I usually love these big lines, but this could be really embarrassing really early. New England -20 1/2.

Bonus Picks************

Tennessee & LSU (SEC Championship game, Atlanta): I've said all year LSU was overrated. Last week Arkansas proved it. Coach Les Miles said this week that they were undefeated in regulation play. I guess when you blow your chance at a national championship by losing to an unranked team you can always find excuses. On his worst day Phillip Fulmer outcoaches Les Miles. Tennessee +7 1/2.

Missouri & Oklahoma (Big 12 Championship game, San Antonio): I'm not even going to pretend to be objective here. Goooooooooooo Tigers!!! Missouri +3.

Good luck and enjoy the games.