2012 NFL Picks: Calling Week 13′s Games 

NFLSoup.com has hit a wall thanks to a bit of a hack job over the course of the past month, and our NFL picks column has absorbed the brunt of the blow. Not only did we lose the past four weeks of content, but our season-long picks race has been lost in the process. Chris Bruno was our winner, while Michael Cellars was one of our top “pickers” throughout the year heading into week 12. Cellars joins me as we pick up the pieces here at NFLSoup, and kickoff week 13 with a new version of our take on the week’s NFL Picks.

Michael and I will breakdown each weekly matchup, and give our pick, along with some analysis. Here’s how we see things shaking out in week 13:

Atlanta at New Orleans

TOM: I like teams that NEED to win games. And the last thing I ever consider when picking a game was last week’s game. Give me the Saints over the (let’s be honest) sputtering Falcons. SAINTS 36-28.

MICHAEL: As much as the Saints need this win, I’m going with the Falcons at home. Atlanta is 7-1 in games decided by one score, with that only loss coming against New Orleans. I believe the Falcons get revenge this time around. FALCONS 30-27

Jacksonville at Buffalo

TOM: Gotta pick this one early while my energy is up. Clearly the Bills are the better team. But to me, this comes down to the team that is either more depressed to have to visit Buffalo, or the team that has to play full-time IN Buffalo. TIE (they both miss OT field goals): 9-9.

MICHAEL: Since taking over for Blaine Gabbert due to injury, Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne has thrown six touchdowns to just one interception. He’s given Jacksonville fans something to be happy about other than the weather, and I believe he’ll heat it up in ice-cold Buffalo. JAGUARS 24-10

Seattle at Chicago

TOM: I live in the Chicago market and have watched every minute of every Bears game. Without a viable 2nd WR, and an injured Forte, the defense will have to score at least twice. As much as I hate the term “game manager” that’s what Russell Wilson is, and for a rookie that’s a huge compliment: SEAHAWKS 24-21

MICHAEL: Well, the Seahawks have to be happy that cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman will play in this game. Whether or not they’ll take an Adderall before the game is the real question. SEAHAWKS 21-17

San Francisco at St . Louis

TOM: The Jets beat the Rams. Please. NINERS 45-17.

MICHAEL: The way Colin Kaepernick has been playing lately tells me that this game won’t end in a tie like the first meeting. Actually, the way Colin Kaepernick has been playing lately tells me that this game won’t even be close. 49ERS 38-6

New England at Miami

TOM: Tom Brady has more weapons than a Colombian drug lord. A warm December game for the Pats (shocking that they get a schedule break, I know). Tannehill is a bit overdue and can actually play. Fish make it a game, but: PATS 35-31

MICHAEL: The Patriots have Tom Brady, who’s play as of late has him in the discussion for his third MVP award. PATRIOTS 41-27

Arizona at New York Jets

TOM Fireman Ed will be laughing from his couch. Actually, he’ll be snoozing. I mean this game has Ian Eagle writing all over it. JETS 12-10.

MICHAEL: Am I supposed to make a serious pick for this game? I’m literally flipping a coin. JETS 9-6

Indianapolis at Detroit

TOM: These are the games in which Andrew Luck reminds us that he was the top pick and he’s going to the playoffs. COLTS 21-17.

MICHAEL: I hope Andrew Luck brought his cup with him to Detroit. COLTS 31-24

Minnesota at Packers

TOM: The Vikings were a fraud. Now they are just bad, (plus AP and Harvin, if he plays). The Packers will be the best team in the conference when you ring in 2013. PACKERS 38-10.

MICHAEL: The Packers have serious issues, but the Vikings have even more. Green Bay rebounds and gains some confidence heading into the homestretch. PACKERS 31-17

Houston at Tennessee

TOM: Assuming Matt Schaub’s privates feel better, there is nobody on the field he needs to fear. TEXANS 25-13.

MICHAEL: Matt Schaub, Arian Foster & Co. won’t let this game turn into a third straight overtime nail-biter for Houston.TEXANS 35-10

Carolina at Kansas City

TOM: Remember what I said about last week’s performance. Remember Newton is a sophomore who hasn’t had back-to-back great games since Week 3 – last year. Short week, on the road. I don’t believe. CHIEFS 14-10.

MICHAEL: The little kid in Cam Newton’s Play 60 commercial could beat the Chiefs. Or play quarterback for the Chiefs. PANTHERS 20-10

Tampa Bay at Denver

TOM: Shhhhhh! I have a secret. Josh Freeman (this year at least) has been twice as elite as Eli Manning. He’s been very good, very in control. The Broncos defense is also very good and is due to make another statement. Peyton all day. BRONCOS 33-17.

MICHAEL: Tampa Bay has been really impressively lately, but Peyton Manning is playing like he’s going to win his fifth MVP award. BRONCOS 35-27

Cleveland at Oakland

TOM: Do we have to? I pick heads. RAIDERS 17-10.

MICHAEL: The Browns may not force eight turnovers, but they’ll force a few out of Carson Palmer. Browns aren’t playing bad ball and the Raiders are. BROWNS 19-9.

Cincinnati at San Diego

TOM: I still like the Chargers. I’m crazy, but I like them in this game. Besides, gingers have no souls and Andy Dalton has a terrible day. CHARGERS 28-21.

MICHAEL: Somehow, someway, the Chargers will find a way to lose like they always do. Plus, the Bengals are hotter than the temperature in San Diego. BENGALS 35-20.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore

TOM: Normally, I’d be stoked for this game, about as good as it gets. Charlie Batch probably starts, which excites pretty much only Charlie Batch’s mom. Even if he doesn’t, Ben’s rusty and they’re only starting him because Ben at 40 percent is still better than Batch at 100 percent. RAVENS 29-11.

MICHAEL: Whether it was Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich or Charlie Batch starting at quarterback for Pittsburgh, I’d still be picking Baltimore. RAVENS 28-10.

Philadelphia at Dallas

TOM: I’m tired of the “which NFC East team will rise up and challenge the Giants” discussion. Neither of these teams is very good; Dallas is home and less “not good” than Philadelphia, but my hair hurts to even think about this game. COWBOYS 17-13.

MICHAEL: Remember when this was actually a fun game to watch because both teams were good? As much as I don’t want to watch it, I sadly have nothing else better to do on Sunday night. COWBOYS 20-14

New York Giants at Washington

TOM: RG3, the stage is yours to make a big statement. Your first December NFL lesson? December belongs to the Giants on their way to another improbable NFC Championship game versus the Packers. That’s not analysis, I’m just giving in to the inevitable. GIANTS 26-24.

MICHAEL: I’ve been excited to watch this game for weeks now, and was getting ready to pick RG3 and the Redskins in an upset. Then I saw what the Giants did to the Packers last week. Sorry Washington. GIANTS 35-17