"The Show Must Go On"

Week 13 NFL Preview:

OK, it appears that the only thing that was “smellin’” out there in the Queen City were the Ravens…so your courageous soothsayer starts Week 13 in an 0-1 hole. Fear not, more bold wild guesses and expert projections follow. So unless you’ve got triskaidekaphobia and would prefer to spend your Sunday “holiday shopping” on some other unmanly pursuit, buckle up that chinstrap and let’s tee it up, shall we?

At Chicago -9.5 Minnesota 36

It ought to be one sweet scene in Chi-Town when the bruised and battered Monsters play host to the lousy Vikings. But for last week’s hard fought battle in New England this would be an easy pick. However, it may be snowing at Soldier Field, and it may take more than a week for the
Bears to fully recover.

Projected Final Score: Chicago 23, Minnesota 14.

At Pittsburgh -7.5 Tampa Bay 41

Sure, it’s looking as if there will be no playoffs for the Steelers this year, but this is a proud team that does not lose at home. It’ll be perfect for football in Pittsburgh tomorrow, 42˚ and partly cloudy, which is the state where Bucs will be at the close of the game.

Projected Final Score: Pittsburgh 27, Tampa Bay 13.

At St. Louis -6.5 Arizona 46

The fewer words spent discussing the Rams’ fortunes, the better. Arizona deserves no words at all.

Projected Final Score: St. Louis 31, Arizona 24.

Indianapolis -7.5 At Tennessee 48

Indy rebounded quite well against a wounded Eagle squad last week. This week, they travel down to Music City, where the Titans are on a roll, after their tremendous comeback win against the G-Men. This week, Indy continues its playoff march, trampling through Nashville as their
next victim.

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 31, Tennessee 20.

At Miami -1.5 Jacksonville 36.5

Jags go way down South to face a Dolphins squad that finally discovered its mojo and three days’ extra rest. Miami’s D is going to keep Garrard running all afternoon. All Harrington needs to do is NOT turn over the football. Simple, no? We’ll see…

Projected Final Score: Miami 20, Jacksonville 17.

At New Orleans -7 San Francisco 45.5

The Saints had a decisive win against the Falcons last week, and now have to contend with a ‘Niner squad that is definitely on the way up, and can surprise anyone. This time next year, there’ll be no surprises. But this is “this year”, and the Saints ain’t the Ain’ts.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 30, San Francisco 20.

At Washington -1.5 Atlanta 38.5

This week’s Kryptonite Special: Any fool who wagers dime one on this match has rocks in his or her head. Jason Campbell had a nice game last week and the ‘Skins do win on occasion at home. What about Michael Vick, you ask? No one knows…no one knows.

“Blind Guess Score”: Washington 24, Atlanta 21.

Kansas City -5 At Cleveland 36.5

In the event that LJ can remove his foot from his mouth prior to game time, he ought to have a pretty good day against the Browns’ defense. A snowy day by the Lake; a real Ohio Football Sunday. Unfortunately, the Heroes of Cleveland have all retired.

Projected Final Score: Kansas City 28, Cleveland 17.

At New England -13.5 Detroit 41.5

The Lions really suck, they do. But the Patriots really duked it out last week over the Bears, losing Seau in the process. They are bound and determined to prevent this from being a trap game. But the Lions have an extra three days’ rest. This may not be enough to pull off an upset, but it certainly may be enough to keep New England from covering. The Patriots only care about winning, not about by how much.

Projected Final Score: New England 27, Detroit 16.

San Diego -6 At Buffalo 43

The Sunny Californians come to cold, snowy Buffalo. How well can LT run it in adverse conditions? These are the games the Bills and their fans live for. Even though their run defense stinks, this game is this week’s Upset Special.

Projected Final Score: Buffalo 17, San Diego 16.

NY Jets -1.5 At Green Bay 42

Lambeau Field in December, in the snow: Does it get any better than that? Favre comes back with a big day, on a perfect day for Packer football.

Projected Final Score: Green Bay 24, NY Jets 23.

Dallas -3.5 At NY Giants 44

After the Giants’ historic meltdown, it’s hard to see them finding the heart to win. Of late, there’s nothing but finger-pointing and dissension with Big Blue. As the Giants have fallen, the Cowboys of Dallas have been on the rise with Tony Romo. This could’ve been the marquee matchup of the day, but…in New York, the genie left the bottle a few weeks ago.

Projected Final Score: Dallas 27, NY Giants 23.

At Oakland -3 Houston 36.5

Only because we’re rooting for Detroit to win the Booby Prize and the first overall pick:

Projected Final Score: Oakland 21, Houston 17.

At Denver -3 Seattle 40.5

The Jay Cutler Era begins at Mile High and he has the daunting task of facing a Seahawk crew that has returned its missing offensive cogs. After last week, Seattle’s not affected by cold weather and really need to have a consistent game.

Projected Final Score: Seattle 23, Detroit 21.