Mattie T’s Week 13 NFL Predictions

Last week had every sign of disaster for me, as i only got -1 point combined between Philip Rivers, Chris Johnson & Mike Williams.

But alas, Dwayne Bowe saved the day with a RIDICULOUS game vs. Seattle, as he hauled in 13 receptions for 170 yards & caught three touchdown passes. His outburst helped me blow out First Lady 54-32 & clinched my division!

Now i have to win on Sunday to lock up the top seed for the playoffs, and am a 16-point favorite against Windy City Squares.

I have a chance to get out to an early lead on Thursday, as both Arian Foster & the Philadelphia defense will be active. We will see what happens as the playoffs are getting closer!

Week 12: 11-5

Overall: 109-67 (.619)

Texans/Eagles:

Excellent prime-time Thursday matchup that has shootout written all over it now that Andre Johnson doesn’t face suspension from his Week 12 fight with Cortland Finnegan during Houston’s 20-0 shutout win.

However, the Texans haven’t won a road game since early October at Oakland & figures to have a tough time slowing down Mike Vick & the Eagles’ offense.

Philadelphia will give up some big plays defensively, but i think they’ll outscore Houston in a high-scoring affair.

If DeSean Jackson is looking for a big-time performance following the lashing he received from Andy Reid following Sunday’s loss  to Chicago, now’s the time to do it.

Mattie T’s Pick: Philadelphia

Browns/Dolphins:

Miami’s postseason hopes are still alive following their 33-17 win over Oakland, as Chad Henne threw for over 300 yards just 2 weeks after suffering a serious knee injury that looked to end his season.

Even though their remaining schedule looks tough with upcoming road games against the Jets & Patriots, they can win all three of their home games, starting with Sunday as they’ll focus on shutting down Peyton Hillis.

Mattie T’s Pick: Miami

49ers/Packers:

San Francisco finally picked up their first road win on Monday night, but paid a steep price as they lost Frank Gore (hip) for the rest of the season.

After Gore’s injury, Brian Westbrook got 23 carries & made the most of it, as he rushed for 136 yards & showed flashes of the style that made him an All-Pro in Philadelphia.

Now, Westbrook will try to rush for consecutive 100-yard games on Sunday for the first time November 27th-Decembet 7th of 2008, when he did it against the Cardinals & Giants.

Look for Green Bay to rebound nicely after a tough Week 12 road loss to Atlanta, which cost them a chance of taking over the NFC’s best record.

Mattie T’s Pick: Green Bay

Broncos/Chiefs:

You can bet that Todd Haley had this game circled on his schedule, as his Chiefs will try to remain in 1st place at Denver’s expense.

Since the Broncos’ 49-29 win in Week 10, they have given up 51 points defensively in two straight losses & allowed a combined 7 touchdown passes to Philip Rivers & Sam Bradford.

Denver’s secondary will be thin in an attempt to stop a red-hot Matt Cassel, as Brian Dawkins (knee) & Andre Goodman (hip) are both expected to miss Sunday’s game.

Kansas City will get their third straight win with another big offensive explosion, as Dwayne Bowe continues his march towards the single-season record for most touchdowns by a wide receiver.

Mattie T’s Pick: Kansas City

Bills/Vikings:

After winning his team debut as interim head coach, Leslie Frazier has a chance to start 2-0 against a Bills team that almost stunned Pittsburgh in Week 12, but lost in overtime.

They might have to do it without Adrian Peterson, who will be a game-time decision following an ankle injury that he suffered during their Week 12 win over Washington.

If Peterson can’t go, then rookie Toby Gerhart will get his first career start & could have a big game against a Bills run defense that gave up 151 yards rushing to Rashard Mendenhall last week.

Vikings get another inspired win in front of the home crowd on Sunday.

Mattie T’s Pick: Minnesota

Bears/Lions:

Possible trap game for the Bears with a huge matchup looming in 2 weeks against New England.

With Detroit prepared to start Drew Stanton on Sunday, Chicago will face its’ second 3rd-string quarterback in the past 3 weeks.

The Bears are now among one of the NFC’s hottest teams with 4 straight wins, as they look to attack a Lions defense that was embarassed in the 2nd half of their 45-24 loss to New England on Thanksgiving Day.

Look for Jay Cutler to have another big day through the air, as the defense will make Stanton’s afternoon a very long one.

Mattie T’s Pick: Chicago

Jaguars/Titans:

Must-win game for Tennessee, as they have a shot at pulling within a game of Indianapolis for the AFC South lead.

Jacksonville is looking to rebound from a tough Week 12 loss, as the New York Giants beat them in the final minutes on Kevin Boss’ game-winning 29-yard touchdown reception.

David Garrard has played poor in his last two games, as he’s combined to throw for 2 touchdowns & 4 interceptions against the Browns & Giants.

Chris Johnson is looking to bounce back from the worst game of his career, as he rushed for only 5 yards on 7 carries (both career-lows) during Tennessee’s Week 12 loss to Houston.

Last season against Jacksonville at home, Johnson exploded for a season-high 228 rushing yards. He might have those type of numbers of Kerry Collins is not fully healthy from his calf injury.

Mattie T’s Pick: Tennessee

Redskins/Giants:

Washington looks for their second NFC East road win on Sunday against a New York team that may have saved their season with a big 2nd half comeback win over Jacksonville in Week 12.

The Giants should be able to attack the Redskins’ porous defense, as Eli Manning is in for another big game.

Mattie T’s Pick: N.Y. Giants

Saints/Bengals:

The Saints have scored 30 points or more in each of their last three games, and look to make it four straight against a depleted Bengals team that has lost their last 8 in a row.

They’ll most likely get Pierre Thomas back on Sunday, as he’s been out since the Saints’ Week 3 loss against Atlanta.

Look for Drew Brees to have another big game through the air, as New Orleans will keep pressure on Atlanta in the NFC South.

Mattie T’s Pick: New Orleans

Raiders/Chargers:

The Chargers look to record their 5th straight win on Sunday, as they await a huge Week 14 showdown against the Chiefs.

Oakland has struggled in the past 2 weeks, as they have been outscored 68-20 by Pittsburgh & Miami (both losses).

The Raiders’ quarterback switch to Jason Campbell won’t help them out, as Oakland will fall to 1-5 overall on the road.

Mattie T’s Pick: San Diego

Falcons/Buccaneers:

Tampa Bay has had one weird season. All 7 wins against losing teams, yet all 4 losses against winning teams.

Sunday is sure to be another tough test from the NFC’s top-seeded Falcons, who have won their last four road games since losing 15-9 in overtime to Pittsburgh in Week 1.

The Buccaneers’ schedule looks promising following Sunday, as they’ll face 3 straight losing teams before their Week 17 finale at New Orleans.

Will 10 wins be enough though to get them into the playoffs? It might not be if they don’t beat Atlanta.

Mattie T’s Pick: Atlanta

Panthers/Seahawks:

Good chance for Carolina to win their first road game of the season, as they’ll face a Seattle team that has lost 4 of their last 5 games.

Mike Goodson also has a good chance to pop off his third 100-yard rushing effort in the past 4 games, as he’ll face a Seahawks run defense that got gashed for 270 yards during their Week 12 loss to Kansas City.

Marshawn Lynch has yet to top 90 yards rushing all season & has rushed for just 2 touchdowns in 7 games with Seattle, so i don’t think he’ll take advantage of a poor Panthers run defense here.

Mattie T’s Pick: Carolina

Rams/Cardinals:

Sam Bradford looks to continue his solid rookie season on Sunday against an awful Arizona defense that was unable to stop the run during their Week 12 loss to San Francisco.

The Cardinals’ offense  showed no life on Monday night, and i don’t think things will get any better for them against an up & coming Rams defense.

Bradford has another big game as St. Louis wins to keep pace with Seattle in the NFC West.

Mattie T’s Pick: St. Louis

Cowboys/Colts:

Second straight week Dallas gets to play a team from last year’s Super Bowl, as they nearly pulled off a stunning upset over New Orleans in Week 12.

Indianapolis should be steaming mad following their 36-14 blowout loss to San Diego, as Peyton Manning threw a season-high 4 interceptions.

This should be a close game, but the Cowboys’ 3rd down defense won’t be able to get the Colts off the field. Indy escapes in a squeaker.

Mattie T’s Pick: Indianapolis

Steelers/Ravens:

Pittsburgh is in some trouble heading up to their big Sunday night matchup, as Ben Roethlisberger was spotted in a walking boot earlier this week & is questionable for Week 13.

Baltimore’s secondary is still spotty at times, but Pittsburgh has some issues of their own as Bryant McFadden (hamstring) might not be able to play on Sunday.

Close game here, but i like for the Ravens to win at home.

Mattie T’s Pick: Baltimore

Jets/Patriots:

Marquee matchup of Week 13, as the Patriots & Jets battle for sole possession of first place in the AFC East.

Danny Woodhead could play a big role on Monday night against his former team, as the former Jet is playing a Kevin Faulk-like role for New England as he’s been used both effectively as a rusher & receiver despite his 5’8 frame.

This game will be close, but i think the Jets will kill themself with self-inflicted penalties.

Their 84 penalties is the 6th highest total in the NFL this season, while New England’s 58 penalties is the 7th lowest total.

Add that to the heartwarming pre-game ceremony that’s scheduled for former Patriots star & 3-time Super Bowl winner Tedy Bruschi, and it all totals up to a huge win for New England.

Mattie T’s Pick: New England