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The 2014 New Orleans Saints season is shaping up to be the worst since the arrival of Sean Payton and Drew Brees. The Week 12 Monday Night loss to Baltimore was devastating to the Saints in a myriad of ways, namely, the Saints remain behind Atlanta for the NFC South crown (of thorns). Also, Drew Brees has likely lost his last remaining chance to defeat Baltimore and will fall one team short of beating every franchise in the NFL. Lastly, with this loss, the air of invincibility for the Saints in the Superdome in primetime is dead.
This season has left little to believe in for the Saints and Who Dat Nation. All of the hype, all of the hope, and all of the aspirations of the offseason have come crashing down with fury and bewilderment. This entire season has been like watching the 2013 Saints regular season game at Seattle in slow motion. It has been mostly frustrating, fleetingly hopeful, but ultimately painful. Despite all of this, the NFC South title and a home playoff game are still up for grabs for these woeful Saints, and six wins could take this division. Let's take a look at what unlucky Week 13 has in store for the Saints and the rest of the NFL.
Last week I went 9-6
I told you so: Broncos over Dolphins!
What do I know: Buccaneers over Bears?
WEEK 13
Thursday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Day
Early Game - First Course
Bears(5-6) at Lions(7-4)
Detroit will rebound after dropping the last two games against quality opponents, 20-13.
Pick: Lions
***
Late Game - Main Course
Dallas wins the battle for sole possession of first place in the NFC East, 20-14.
Pick: Cowboys
***
Night Game - Dessert
In a battle of the top two defenses in the NFL, San Francisco pulls out a thrilling victory at home over Seattle, 16-10.
Pick: 49ers
***
Sunday, November 30th - Early Games
Andrew Luck and the Indy passing game will continue to cruise against Washington.
Pick: Colts
***
Tennessee will have no answers for the Houston rushing attack. "New" Houston beats "Old" Houston, 24-10.
Pick: Texans
***
Cleveland eeks out a road victory over Buffalo, in Week 13's most underrated game.
Pick: Browns
***
Chargers(7-4) at Ravens(7-4)San Diego's defense will completely shut down Baltimore's offense in this easy win for the road team.
Pick: Chargers
***
In a matchup of two defenses that are completely incapable of stopping anyone, Eli Manning and the Giants passing game will make enough plays to pick up the win.
Pick: Giants
***
Bengals(7-3-1) at Buccaneers(2-9)
This game will be much closer than it has any reason being, but Cincy wins in the end.
Pick: Bengals
***
At least Oakland got a win already. St. Louis wins this one.
Pick: Rams
***
Panthers(3-7-1) at Vikings(4-7)
Minnesota pulls out a tight victory at home over Carolina.
Pick: Vikings
***
Saints(4-7) at Steelers(7-4)
In my nearly two full seasons making picks for CSC, I realized that I've never picked against the Saints. Well, all good things, my friends. This New Orleans defense is just far too battered, beaten, and overmatched, to stand with the Pittsburgh offense in this game. The one saving grace is that Pittsburgh has mostly played down to the level of their competition this season. When all seems lost, we can say "well, Tampa won in Pittsburgh". I just can't see it happening this week.
I'll be rooting and believing this Sunday, but I'm trusting better judgment this week. Saints lose, but they'll stay close.
Pick: Steelers
***
Sunday, November 30th - Late Games
Cardinals(9-2) at Falcons(4-7)
It's a matchup of the NFC's worst rushing offense vs the NFL's worst overall defense, but Arizona's passing attack will have more opportunity for success than Atlanta. The Cards win a close one in Atlanta.
Pick: Cardinals
***
Patriots(9-2) at Packers(8-3) - Game of the Week
As good as Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay have been at home this season, I just trust Tom Brady and New England more in this type of spot. This game should be phenomenal.
Pick: Patriots
***
Sunday Night Football
Broncos(8-3) at Chiefs(7-4)
Peyton Manning and the Denver passing attack will outlast Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City rushing game at Arrowhead.
Pick: Broncos
***
Monday, December 1st - Monday Night Football
Dolphins(6-5) at Jets(2-9)
The Jets' inability to pass the ball will feed right into the strength of the Miami defense. Miami will easily beat their division rival in New York.
Pick: Dolphins
***
All good things come to an end, but inexplicably, bad seasons tend to drag out for a long time. Can the Saints end their losing streak? Sure, crazier things have happened in the NFL. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below.