NFL Picks Week 13: Manifest Destiny

The New Orleans Saints face the Seattle Seahawks for the right to control their own destiny for the remainder of the season. Both teams face the greatest test they will find until the playoffs. Seattle's home field advantage is the biggest factor in an otherwise even matchup and the Saints must be prepared for one of the greatest road challenges they've ever faced.

Although Saints/Seahawks game casts a long shadow over the weekend, much like Brady/Manning the week before, we still have a lot of matchups to look forward to.

Last week I went 7-7, Season record 111-66

I told you so: Cardinals over Colts!

What do I know: Chiefs over Chargers?

WEEK 13

Thursday, November 28th - Thanksgiving

Early Game - Appetizers

Packers(5-5-1) at Lions (6-5)

Former Saints, Reggie Bush and Joique Bell will feast on Turducken after this game.

Pick: Lions

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Late Game - Main Course

Raiders(4-7) at Cowboys(6-5)

Dallas' passing attack should carve up Oakland in this one.

Pick: Cowboys

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Night Game - Dessert

Steelers(5-6) at Ravens(5-6)

These two will have at it like bickering family members, this time Baltimore will get the last second field goal to win.

Pick: Ravens

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Sunday, December 1st - Early Games

Titans(5-6) at Colts(7-4)

I like Indy here, by a slim margin.

Pick: Colts

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Jaguars(2-9) at Browns(4-7)

An underrated defense and ugly conditions win this one for Cleveland.

Pick: Browns

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Buccaneers(3-8) at Panthers(8-3)

At some point during their Week 9 game, the Panthers forcibly removed the 2012 lucky horseshoe from the Falcons' rear, and it's worked quite well for Carolina the past three weeks since. The Panthers enjoy it for one more week.

Pick: Panthers

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Bears(6-5) at Vikings(2-8-1)

Chicago desperately clings to its NFC North title hopes.

Pick: Bears

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Patriots(8-3) at Texans(2-9)

Can New England resist putting up 40 on the AFC's worst team?

Pick: Patriots

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Cardinals(7-4) at Eagles(6-5)

Arizona utilizes the strength of its defense in this game, thus keeping their race with the Niners close.

Pick: Cardinals

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Dolphins(5-6) at Jets(5-6)

Chris Ivory and a strong defensive performance sinks Miami in this one.

Pick: Jets

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Sunday, December 1st - Late Games

Falcons(2-9) at Bills(4-7)

Atlanta slips to 10 losses against the Buffalo rushing attack.

Pick: Bills

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Rams(5-6) at 49ers(7-4)

Kellen Clemens leads St. Louis to an upset victory in San Francisco.

Pick: Rams

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Bengals(7-4) at Chargers(5-6)

Fresh off a shocker in Kansas City, San Diego stuns another AFC contender.

Pick: Chargers

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Broncos(9-2) at Chiefs(9-2)

Kansas City got caught looking ahead, last week. Brady's comeback last Sunday Night gives the KC crowd just the hope and energy they need for this huge matchup. KC's defense will learn from the matchup just two weeks prior and make the necessary adjustments to pick up the win at home.

Pick: Chiefs

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Sunday Night Football

Giants(4-7) at Redskins(3-8)

This is the rare week that NBC is jealous of ESPN's Monday Night game.

Pick: Giants

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Monday, December 2nd - Monday Night Football

Saints(9-2) at Seahawks(10-1) - Game of the Week Year

Seattle faces their stiffest challenge of the season against New Orleans. Sean Payton will have this team prepared for another primetime showdown and the Saints will look to take their destiny into their own hands. Whether the Saints want this game or not, is irrelevant, the Saints need this game, and they're up for the challenge.

Pick: Saints

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There you have it, Week 13, the one we've waited for all year. Let's hope it lives up to the hype and concludes with the Saints victorious at CenturyLink Field on Monday Night. I can barely stand the anticipation! Is it Monday yet? Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below.

WHO DAT!