Neil Reynolds’ pick of the week 13

It wasn’t a great week on the picking front in Week 12, but that’s what you get when the action is as hectic and as exciting as it was last weekend. I went 8-5 last time out, taking my season total to 116-65. With games played on four different days, here are my picks for Week 13.

Chicago Bears (4-7) at Detroit (10-1)

The Bears have a chance to extend Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day losing streak to eight because Caleb Williams is playing better. But the lions are building something special and scoring for fun at home.

New York Giants (2-9) at Dallas Cowboys (4-7)

The Cowboys have spoken very positively this week after snapping their five-game losing streak in Week 12. The Giants may be better off now that Drew Lock is likely playing at QB.

Miami Dolphins (5-6) at Green Bay Packers (8-3)

The Dolphins have traditionally struggled against good teams and in cold weather, led by Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa. But all lines must end. Why not at Lambeau?

Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)

Antonio Pierce said this is the worst team in the league (his Raiders) against the best team in the NFL in the Chiefs. He is not far away! Maxx Crosby should have an absolute day to keep this one close.

Neil’s Pick… Kansas City

Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

The Chargers have their flaws or lack of talent in certain areas, but at least you know what you’re getting with them. Who knows what Falcons team will show up week to week?

Neil’s Pick… LA Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)

With Russell Wilson throwing just one TD pass in the last two games, it will be up to Pittsburgh’s D to keep this close. I think Joe Burrow can produce enough points for the Bengals.

Neil’s Pick… Cincinnati

Houston Texans (7-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

What, if anything, have the Jaguars done in their bye week to wash away the stench of that 52-6 loss in Detroit? Houston always has some trouble against the Jags. This could be close.

Neil’s Pick… Jacksonville

Arizona Cardinals (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-2)

Will it be Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones? Just kidding! Darnold looked good last week against the Bears, throwing another spot when Justin Jefferson was double-teamed. Minnesota to get to 10 wins.

Indianapolis Colts (5-7) at New England Patriots (3-9)

This is the first of several very winnable games that could yet catapult the Colts into the AFC playoffs. The Patriots used to say their season started on Thanksgiving. This one is already over.

Neil’s Pick… Indianapolis

Seattle Seahawks (6-5) at New York Jets (3-8)

It’s been another couple of weeks of turmoil for the Jets. How do they shake all that off and go play a good game against a playoff-chasing team? I think Seattle snuck a close road win.

Tennessee Titans (3-8) at Washington Commanders (7-5)

Will Levis and the Titans’ offense have shown enough signs of life that I’m sniffing an upset against a sliding Washington team. But I can’t quite do it. Jayden Daniels almost right the ship.

Neil’s Pick… Washington

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) at Carolina Panthers (3-8)

Playing the Panthers isn’t quite the foregone conclusion it used to be. Bryce Young is playing better and Chuba Hubbard is one of the NFL’s better backs. That said, the Bucs need this more.

Los Angeles Rams (5-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-7)

The Saints have won two straight and are still alive in the NFC South race. The mix of Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill helps the offense. And I think the defense will come after the Rams.

Neil’s Pick… New Orleans

Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) at Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

I wouldn’t mind this being a Super Bowl preview, given the star power on both teams. The Eagles are on an incredible run right now and I think Jalen Hurts can attack Baltimore’s passing D.

Neil’s Pick… Philadelphia

San Francisco 49ers (5-6) at Buffalo Bills (9-2)

As I write this, Brock Purdy has thrown just one pass in practice – a short screen – suggesting Brandon Allen could play QB again. This could be a Snow Globe wonderland for the Bills.

Cleveland Browns (3-8) at Denver Broncos (7-5)

More Jameis Winston magic? History suggests that will not be the case. He and this team blow way too hot and cold, even if their highlights are entertaining. Denver remains on the playoff trail.