NFL Week 13 Picks: Struggling Teams That Will Earn Much-Needed Wins
Published by Michael Dixon on December 2, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
For some teams, it’s now or never. These teams all fit that mold. Technically, all three are in a playoff race, although one is clearly hanging by its last thread.
All of these teams have been scuffling in recent weeks. Every one of them needs to get a win in Week 13. Fortunately, all of them will get that win.
No, I wouldn’t call this the most meaningful win in the league. The Chargers are technically in contention, but both the Raiders and Broncos are heating up. If San Diego runs the table, they go 9-7. Even that probably wouldn’t be good enough.
Still, a veteran team on such a terrible losing streak really needs a win. Remember, they were 4-1 after five games.
Fortunately, the matchup is right this week. The Jaguars aren’t a very good team to begin with. Now, with the firing of Jack Del Rio, it’s hard to imagine they’re going to be ready to play this team.
The Chargers are also the better team in this one. It will be a false positive, but San Diego will win.
Prediction: Chargers 20, Jaguars 13
The Jets are the only team on this list that actually won its last game. But given the inconsistency New York has been dealing with all year, a one-game winning streak hardly means that they’re not struggling.
Two in a row will change that a little bit.
The Redskins are not playing good football right now. I know that they won last week, but it was the first win in a while.
Their offense will be lucky to generate anything off of Darrelle Revis and the rest of the Jets’ defense. Offensively, the Jets won’t dominate, but will do enough to claim a relatively easy win when it’s all said and done.
Prediction: Jets 23, Redskins 7
Things are still not bad for the Bears to get to 10-6 and make the playoffs. That starts with a win this week.
The Chiefs have leveled out in a big way after their four-game winning streak. They are completely out of contention in the AFC West. Additionally, they’re dealing with their own quarterback issues, with Matt Cassel out and Tyler Palko under center.
Matt Forte and the Chicago defense will carry the day. It won’t be pretty, but it won’t be that close either.
Prediction: Bears 20, Chiefs 6
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