NFL Week 13 Preview: Will the Chargers keep surging or will Pittsburgh respond after a tough loss?

NFL Week 13 Preview: Will the Chargers keep surging or will Pittsburgh respond after a tough loss?

Michael Raupp, Contributor

Overall Record (started in Week 2):

100-50-1

Arizona Cardinals (2-9) vs Green Bay Packers (4-6-1)

Noon (FOX)

The Packers are coming off another back-breaking defeat, losing of four of the last five. A win Sunday night in Minnesota would have set the Packers up with an opportunity to keep their playoff chances alive, but they must now win out to have any chance. Green Bay’s secondary has been hit with injuries, but they have a favorable matchup this week. Cardinals’ quarterback Josh Rosen has been the culprit of his own mistakes, and they travel to an presumably frigid and unwelcoming environment at Lambeau Field. The health of the Packers’ defense could be tested, but Aaron Rodgers will undoubtedly lead his team to victory — even if they win out like Rodgers claims, the playoffs are mostly likely out of the question, however.

Pick: Cardinals 16, Packers 27

Cleveland Browns (4-6-1) vs Houston Texans (8-3)

Noon (CBS)

Although the Packers have failed to impress this season, who would have thought the Cleveland Browns would have the same record as Green Bay heading into Week 13? Ever since firing Hue Jackson, the Browns are playing better football; Cleveland is 2-1 since the firing and have won two consecutive games, the first time since 2014. Interim head coach Gregg Williams has done a proficient job, earning Cleveland with their first road win in over 25 tries last week in Cincinnati. The Texans, however, still have not lost since Week 3 and are winners of eight straight. Call me crazy, but the Browns will head to Houston and come out with their second straight victory on the road, proving this is a different Browns team the league has become to know. Baker Mayfield puts up another big day in the stat sheet against a solid Texans’ defense, as the Browns keep their name in the playoff conversation.

Pick: Browns 28, Texans 27

Baltimore Ravens (6-5) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-7)

Noon (CBS)

Lamar Jackson was named the starter for this Week 13 tilt in Atlanta, and the Falcons better be ready. With favorable playing conditions being indoors and on turf, the Falcons need to be prepared for the dual threat quarterback, who could easily break one loose on each snap from scrimmage. Jackson’s arm might still be a work in progress, but he can still keep a defense on their toes with his legs. Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan will be ready to counter Jackson, however, as he will make up for a discouraging performance from his team on Thanksgiving night. Falcons win a close one backed by Ryan’s efforts.

Pick: Ravens 28, Falcons 34

Carolina Panthers (6-5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)

Noon (FOX)

After giving up 38 points to the New York Giants the week before, the Buccaneers won easily over San Francisco with a 27-9 victory. The Bucs’ defense still remains a problem and with the production Carolina has been getting from Christian McCaffrey, it is safe to assume the Bucs have the same problems against one of the league’s top backs. CMC torches the Bucs for the second time this year and will help snap the Panthers three game skid, yet their defensive inconsistency will remain prevalent.

Pick: Panthers 38, Bucs 30

Miami Dolphins (5-6) vs Buffalo Bills (4-7)

Noon (CBS)

Bills head coach Sean McDermott should be applauded for what he has done with the quarterback carousel that took place after Josh Allen’s injury earlier in the season. Although they only have four wins, reaching this total seemed preposterous just a couple weeks ago when Nathan Peterman was taking meaningful snaps under center. Josh Allen returned last week, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars at home, the team they faced in the Wild Card round last season. This might be too much praise, however, as Ryan Tannehill looked much healthier than anticipated despite playing through some pain; anything similar should get the job done.

Pick: Dolphins 24, Bills 17

Indianapolis Colts (6-5) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)

Noon (CBS)

It already has been a wild week for the Jaguars: they fired their offensive coordinator, benched their quarterback, lost their star running back to a one game suspension, and could be without one of the league’s best at the cornerback position. The Colts have won five straight, while Jacksonville have lost seven straight; this game looks laid-out for Andrew Luck to have another stellar performance along with Cody Kessler presenting little threat in competing with the Colts potent offensive attack.

Pick: Colts 30, Jaguars 17

Denver Broncos (5-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)

Noon (CBS)

After defeating the Los Angeles Chargers on the road the week before and defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers at home this past week, Denver is firmly back in the playoff discussion. Although they have the same record, the Bengals are headed in the other direction; they are losers of four of five and lost their starting quarterback for the season. They could have A.J. Green back, but the Broncos have had a grueling schedule as of late, and they should have no problem with this Bengals team being nothing close to the level of their recent competition. If Denver wins Sunday, the playoffs look to be in reach with a favorable schedule to finish off the year.

Pick: Broncos 31, Bengals 20

Los Angeles Rams (10-1) vs Detroit Lions (4-7)

Noon (FOX)

Fresh off their bye, the Rams could not have had a better time for a week off after a thrilling 54-51 win versus the Chiefs. Running back Todd Gurley has had time to recover from an ankle injury he suffered during the Monday night game, and the team expects to have Aqib Talib back to help their weak secondary. They might not need him to contribute much, however, as the Lions are allowing 26 points per game against opponents. Expect Aaron Donald to rack up the sacks, as the Lions have had their share of struggles this season on the offensive line.

Pick: Rams 38, Lions 23

Chicago Bears (8-3) vs New York Giants (3-8)

Noon (FOX)

Chicago will be without second year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky again this week but look to have him ready for the Sunday night game next week against the Los Angeles Rams. Trubisky’s replacement, Chase Daniel, proved to be more than capable in taking the reins in his absence last week, as another turnover free performance this week should set the Bears up for a win with the way the defense has anchored the team this season. Khalil Mack will have another big day, possibly forcing some more fumbles and racking up some sacks to add to his season totals.

Pick: Bears 24, Giants 16

Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) vs Oakland Raiders (2-9)

3:05 (CBS)

The only way to seemingly slow down Pat Mahomes is with a pass rush, but that feature is non-existent with the Raiders’ defense, as we all know. The Chiefs are well-rested with a bye after a shootout loss against the Rams and get a more than favorable opponent this week. Mahomes is sure to build on his MVP caliber season by adding multiple touchdowns to his name, and the Chiefs win easy; there might even have to be a mercy rule come the second half for the sake of Raiders fans.

Pick: Chiefs 38, Raiders 21

New York Jets (3-8) vs Tennessee Titans (5-6)

3:05 (CBS)

After losing on Monday night in Houston, the Titans find themselves in a must-win game this Sunday. Thankfully for Tennessee, they are back at home and face a Jets team that has struggled to score with or without Sam Darnold. Marcus Mariota will keep the playoff door cracked open, as with a win, they will remain in the hunt down in this final leg of the season.

Pick: Jets 13, Titans 28

San Francisco 49ers (2-9) vs Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

3:25 (FOX)

After an upset win last week against the Carolina Panthers, the Seahawks made sure to let the league know this season is more than a rebuild or transitional year after losing many contributors on defense from a season ago. Russell Wilson and their strong run game have done their part on offense, and the young defensive players have meshed well with the veterans on defense. Seattle has definitely enjoyed the unexpected success this season and should keep the good times rolling: Seattle plays the 49ers twice in the next three weeks along with a home tilt versus the Cardinals to finish out the season.

Pick: 49ers 20, Seahawks 33

Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1) vs New England Patriots (8-3)

3:25 (FOX)

The return of Rob Gronkowski helped the Patriots last Sunday along with the contributions from a healthy Sony Michel at running back. Meanwhile, the Vikings righted the ship Sunday after a loss the previous Sunday evening in Chicago, proving they are the other real contender in the NFC North alongside the Bears. Kirk Cousins finally stepped up in the spotlight, and their defense turned up the heat on Aaron Rodgers. New England will be ready to go in Foxborough, but Minnesota can turn some heads with a victory — Minnesota has better receivers than anyone in the league and should be able to slow down Tom Brady enough to come out on top.

Pick: Vikings 30, Patriots 27

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3-1) vs Los Angeles Chargers (8-3)

7:20 (NBC)

The injury to Melvin Gordon comes at the wrong time for the Chargers, who face the Steelers and Chiefs within 11 days. Pittsburgh escaped with a victory in Jacksonville but lost to Denver Sunday. Philip Rivers will make his share of plays, nonetheless, will prove not to be enough against a Steelers team that plays much better at home and wants to avenge for the way they lost this past week. Pittsburgh has a tough stretch coming up, but they will make sure to not let this one escape from their grasp.

Pick: Steelers 34, Chargers 28

Washington Redskins (6-5) vs Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)

Monday, 7:15 (ESPN)

In terms of the division, this game has huge playoff implications, as the loser is running out of time to make a statement. After a disappointing showing on Thanksgiving day, the Redskins must get more out of backup Colt McCoy — if possible. Washington might be limited with McCoy, but their pash rush is good enough for Adrian Peterson to take control of the game on offense. The Eagles are banged up on defense and are amongst the bottom of the league in stopping the run. Expect Peterson to help his quarterback along with McCoy making some needed adjustments after a full week off to help keep their team keep a playoff spot.

Pick: Redskins 26, Eagles 21