Packers vs. Cardinals Week 13 predictions, picks for every NFL game
Predictions for every Week 13 game, including the Green Bay Packers’ meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.
The good news is that the toughest part of the Packers‘ schedule is over. The bad news is that they now have a mountain to climb to make the playoffs.
Green Bay’s only hopes of returning to the postseason for the first time since 2016 will require winning out and getting some help along the way.
Only a win will do against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Arizona (2-9) at Green Bay (4-6-1)
And I think they’ll get that victory. The Packers have struggled on the road this year, but are unbeaten at Lambeau Field with a 4-0-1 record at home.
They now take on a struggling Cardinals team that is 1-4 on the road and was outscored 132-41 in those four defeats.
While the Packers have lost four of their past five, each defeat was a close game against a tough opponent. They now take on the 30th-ranked run defense at home, which could lead to a big day for Aaron Jones.
The Cardinals have also given the football away 22 times this season (15 interceptions, seven fumbles), tied for third-most in the NFL. There’s a great chance the Packers win the turnover battle on a cold day at Lambeau Field.
If there was ever a get-right game for this team that can begin a run, this is it.
Pick: Green Bay
New Orleans (10-1) at Dallas (6-5)
The Cowboys are heating up at the right time. They are in pole position to win the NFC East, own the league’s third-best scoring defense (allowing just 19.4 points per game) and have the talent to keep this game close. That said, I’m not picking against a red-hot Saints team that has won 10 in a row.
Pick: New Orleans
Baltimore (6-5) at Atlanta (4-7)
This game is more important for Baltimore. It’s currently the sixth seed in a close AFC playoff race. Atlanta’s loss last week likely ends its season. The Ravens win this one.
Pick: Baltimore
Carolina (6-5) at Tampa Bay (4-7)
Three straight defeats leaves the Panthers on the outside looking in at the playoff teams, but this is a get-right game for them. An important victory for Carolina.
Pick: Carolina
Chicago (8-3) at NY Giants (3-8)
The Bears took a giant step towards the playoffs on Thanksgiving Day, and they can now move one step closer to securing the NFC North title with a win against the Giants.
Pick: Chicago
Buffalo (4-7) at Miami (5-6)
Despite going 2-6 following a 3-0 start to the season, the Dolphins stay in the wild-card race with a victory over the Bills at home.
Pick: Miami
Indianapolis (6-5) at Jacksonville (3-8)
The Jaguars have been one of the NFL’s most disappointing teams in 2018. They were viewed as Super Bowl contenders in August, but eight defeats in their past nine games leaves them looking forward to the draft. The Colts are trending in the right direction with five straight victories.
Pick: Indianapolis
Cleveland (4-6-1) at Houston (8-3)
Two wins in a row has just about pulled the Browns back into playoff contention, but their season could be over after a loss to the red-hot Texans this week. Houston makes it nine in a row after an 0-3 start.
Pick: Houston
Denver (5-6) at Cincinnati (5-6)
Losing Andy Dalton all but ends the Bengals’ playoff hopes, and the Broncos defense leads them to victory.
Pick: Denver
LA Rams (10-1) at Detroit (4-7)
The Rams are well rested after their bye week, and they should have no trouble picking up the win against a Lions team that has lost three of its past four games.
Pick: LA Rams
Kansas City (9-2) at Oakland (2-9)
As the Patriots hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Chiefs, Kansas City can’t afford another loss if it wants the AFC’s top seed. Luckily it gets Oakland this week.
Pick: Kansas City
NY Jets (3-8) at Tennessee (5-6)
The Jets are in free-fall. After a tough loss on Monday night, the Titans get back on track this week.
Pick: Tennessee
San Francisco (2-9) at Seattle (6-5)
Pete Carroll deserves a lot of credit. After losing so many key players in the offseason, few gave this Seahawks team a chance. But here they are, at 6-5 and well positioned for a playoff run. They keep the wins rolling with a win against the 49ers at home.
Pick: Seattle
Minnesota (6-4-1) at New England (8-3)
The Vikings now enter the toughest part of their schedule, and a loss could end their hopes of winning the NFC North. I’m picking New England. The Patriots are tough to beat in December, especially at home.
Pick: New England
LA Chargers (8-3) at Pittsburgh (7-3-1)
This game should be a lot of fun, and it could be a preview of a playoff game down the road. As it’s in Pittsburgh, the slight edge goes to the Steelers.
Pick: Pittsburgh
Washington (6-5) at Philadelphia (5-6)
Washington enters Week 13 in a playoff position, but without Alex Smith that could change by Week 14. The Eagles pick up a huge win to save their season.
Pick: Philadelphia
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Last week: 11-4
Season: 109-68