WEEK 13 NFL PICKS RECAP

 The playoff picture is beginning to come  into focus, but the division races are tightening a bit. Even with two losses in a row, the Cardinals still lead the NFC  West, with Seattle closing fast at the quarter pole...Oops, wrong sport. Anyway, you get the idea.

Last Week:     10 - 6          .625
Overall:     123 - 69 - 1     .642

Chicago (5 - 6) 16 @ Detroit (7 - 4) 24: Correct. The Lions feasted on the Bears for a big Thanksgiving Day win to keep Detroit in the hunt for the playoffs, if not the NFC North title. Detroit 34 - 17.

Philadelphia (8 - 3) 34 @ Dallas (8 - 3) 28: Correct. The Cowboys, as usual, blew a good chance to get a leg up in the NFC East. Instead, it's now the Eagles on top. Philadelphia 33 - 10.

Seattle (7 - 4) 24 @ San Francisco (7 - 4) 17: Correct. I mentioned when I picked this game that the Seahawks are rounding into form. Their defense definitely is, and if that's the case, it won't matter too much if the offense keeps pace. Seattle 19 - 3.

Washington (3 - 8) 27 @ Indianapolis (7 - 4) 24: No. The Redskins are just awful. As a fan, I just wish Daniel Snyder would sell the team and take his millions elsewhere. What a disaster! Indianapolis 49 - 27.

Tennessee (2 - 9) 16 @ Houston (5 - 6) 23: Correct. Houston needs to keep winning if they hope to be in the playoff hunt. But games against Indianapolis and Baltimore sandwiched between two contests with Jacksonville might make that difficult. Houston 45 - 21.

Cleveland (7 - 4) 27 @ Buffalo (6 - 5) 20: No. Brian Hoyer is still the Browns' starting QB, but that leash has to be one of the shortest in history, with Johnny Football waiting in the wings. Buffalo 26 - 10.

San Diego (7 - 4) 20 @ Baltimore (7 - 4) 27: No. I watched this meltdown by the Ravens and I still don't believe it. This could end up being a crucial loss for Baltimore as well as big one for the Chargers. San Diego 34 - 33.

New York Giants (3 - 8) 30 @ Jacksonville (1 - 10) 17: No. Nothing the Giant does surprises me, but letting this one get away from them came close. Jacksonville 25 - 24.

Cincinnati (7 - 3 - 1) 34 @ Tampa Bay (2 - 9) 21: Correct. If anyone wonders why Tampa Bay is 2 - 10, this game should provide a great example. Inside the red zone with chance to win the game and, well,...nothing. Cincinnati 14 - 13.

Oakland (1 - 10) 16 @ St. Louis (4 - 7) 24: Correct. Are the Rams that good right now or are the Raiders that bad? At 1 - 11, my money is on the Raiders. St. Louis 52 - 0.

New Orleans (4 - 7) 26 @ Pittsburgh (7 - 4) 28: No. I thought Big Ben looked lost against a Saints defense that really isn't all that great. An injury to his hand may have contributed, but he looked pretty bad before he got hurt. New Orleans 35 - 32.

Carolina (3 - 7 - 1) 19 @ Minnesota (4 - 7) 27: Correct. This may have finally ended any playoff hopes for Carolina. They fell a game and a half behind both Atlanta and New Orleans. Minnesota 31 - 13.

Arizona (9 - 2) 17 @ Atlanta (4 - 7) 27: Correct. I always say "you're only as good as your backup quarterback". And guess what? The Cardinals' second stringer isn't playing very well.  Atlanta 29 - 18.

New England (9 - 2) 30 @ Green Bay (8 - 3) 34: Correct. This was just a terrific football game. Aaron Rodgers, who many consider the best QB in the game, didn't disappoint. Will we see this match-up again in February? I wouldn't bet against it. Green Bay 26 - 21.

Denver (8 - 3) 27 @ Kansas City (7 - 4) 30: No. The Chiefs just couldn't recover after Manning got the Broncos out to a fast start. Denver put some distance between them and Kansas City, but San Diego's last minute win kept the pressure on the Broncos in the AFC West.  Denver 29 - 16.

Miami (6 - 5) 27 @ New York Jets (2 - 9) 14: Correct. When you're 2 - 9, you lose games like the Jets did Monday night. The Dolphins came back to remain in the playoff discussion for at least another week. Miami 16 - 13.