NFL Picks Week 13: Second Course

The New Orleans Saints face their biggest rival in the Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving night for the second consecutive season! Last season, the Saints roasted the Falcons for Thanksgiving, but only three weeks ago, the Falcons stunned the Saints in New Orleans. Thankfully, the Saints now have the chance to rectify that poor outing, and this time on the national stage.

There is so much to be thankful for from the Saints this season. That sense of hope, that sense of fun, that sense that the Saints may very well be on their way to the Super Bowl. All of this has Who Dat Nation feeling extremely thankful this Thanksgiving, and a holiday beating of the Falcons will really have us all giving thanks.

Let’s take a look at this and all of the NFL action in Week 13.

Last week I went 8-6

I told you so: Niners over Packers!

What do I know: Falcons over Bucs?

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WEEK 13

Thursday, November 28th - Thanksgiving Day

Early Game - Appetizer

Bears(5-6) at Lions(3-7-1)

Chicago’s defense will once again lead them to victory against the aimless Lions in Detroit. Chicago wins 26-17.

Pick: Bears

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Late Game - First Course

Bills(8-3) at Cowboys(6-5)

This will be a fantastic defensive showdown, but ultimately, Buffalo’s passing game will falter against the Dallas defense in crucial moments. Dallas wins 23-16.

Pick: Cowboys

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Primetime Game - Main Course & Dessert

Saints(9-2) at Falcons(3-8) - Game of the Week

This game will come down to a few crucial factors: The Saints ability to control the game on the ground behind Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray, the Saints’ offensive line protecting Drew Brees, despite a rash of injuries on the left side, and the Saints’ defensive line getting to Matt Ryan consistently. Although it’s easier said than done, especially after their last matchup, it can certainly be done easily.

The Saints have to bring an intensity and focus that was clearly missing in their previous meeting. The Saints took an easy win for granted, and gave up a sure thing at home against a highly-motivated rival. This time the Falcons have homefield advantage, whatever that’s worth in Atlanta, but they’ll take what they can get. Expect Atlanta to pass, pass, and pass some more, looking to test the health of Marshon Lattimore. We will find out early if Lattimore and the rest of the Saints defense is up to the occasion.

The Saints will right the wrongs of their last meeting by putting up the points they couldn’t muster in that game. Unfortunately, just like that last meeting, the Falcons have nothing to lose in this game and they will throw absolutely everything they have at the Saints with reckless abandon. This is one of those Saints/Falcons games, like their matchup in Atlanta last season, that will be uncomfortably close, but the Saints will get the win, and that is all that matters. Saints win 31-28.

Pick: Saints

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Sunday, December 1st- Early Games

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

Indy will dominate Tennessee on the ground, grinding down the Titans defense. Indianapolis wins 31-14.

Pick: Colts

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Jets(4-7) at Bengals(0-11)

The Jets will flatten the NFL’s worst defense and the NFL’s worst team in Cincy. Jets win 35-14.

Pick: Jets

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Redskins(2-9) at Panthers(5-6)

Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers will rebound with an easy win over Washington. Carolina wins 30-17.

Pick: Panthers

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49ers(10-1) at Ravens(9-2)

By all accounts this should not only be the Game of the Week, but potentially a Game of the Year contender as one of the AFC’s best hosts one of the best in the NFC, Something keeps feeling like this one is going to go another way though. Lamar Jackson will have a surprisingly great passing game against the NFL’s top-ranked defense, who will be too concerned in stopping Jackson and Mark Ingram on the ground. Baltimore’s defense will be the standout here, by stifling the San Francisco passing game, backed by a raucous home crowd. This one will be dominated by the Ravens from beginning to end. Baltimore wins 33-13.

Pick: Ravens

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Buccaneers(4-7) at Jaguars(4-7)

Tampa carries their momentum from last week, beating their in-state rivals in Jacksonville. Tampa wins 23-17.

Pick: Buccaneers

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Browns(5-6) at Steelers(6-5)

This rematch of the ugliest ending of this seasons games will ultimately be won by the Cleveland defense, along with a late field goal. Cleveland wins 20-18.

Pick: Browns

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Packers(8-3) at Giants(2-9)

Aaron Rodgers get the Pack back on track in an easy rebound game for Green Bay. Green Bay wins 25-19.

Pick: Packers

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Eagles(5-6) at Dolphins(2-9)

Philly’s passing game will soar while Miami’s sinks, in a game the Eagles desperately need to win. Philadelphia wins 24-14.

Pick: Eagles

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Sunday, December 1st - Late Games

Rams(6-5) at Cardinals(3-7-1)

Los Angeles rebounds from their embarrassing beating on Monday Night by beating down the Cards in the desert. Los Angeles wins 33-13.

Pick: Rams

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Chargers(4-7) at Broncos(3-8)

The Chargers defense will outshine the Broncos in Denver. Los Angeles wins 26-20.

Pick: Chargers

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

Patrick Mahomes and the KC passing attack will overwhelm Oakland in this one. Kansas City wins 35-14.

Pick: Chiefs

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Sunday Night Football

Patriots(10-1) at Texans(7-4)

Deshaun Watson will have a magnificent game against the New England defense, but Tom Brady finds a way to secure the win in the end. New England wins 31-27.

Pick: Patriots

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Monday, December 2nd- Monday Night Football

Vikings(8-3) at Seahawks(9-2)

This game will be close for the first half but Seattle’s defense will force Kirk Cousins into critical errors in the second half to seal the game for the home team. Seattle wins 28-13.

Pick: Seahawks

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That’s how I see Week 13 going down. The Saints can take their winning streak to three while demoralizing the rival Falcons, which will make this season that we’re all grateful for even better! Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!