Free Football Picks for 2012 Week 13 NFL Matchups

Cincinnati Bengals (pk) @ San Diego Chargers

I’ve seen the Bengals favored, even, even a dog. I say even is about right, except that I wouldn’t trust the Chargers to do anything in an even situation. Rivers has either regressed mightily, gotten into terrible habits because his offensive line doesn’t protect, lost his best receiver (VJ, the guy he just threw it up to) and has watched his TE lose tha burst that made him the league’s best, or has just finally been figured out as a QB that can’t do anything outside the pocket and needs passing lanes to short arm his marshmallows down field. Or all of the above. Like I said, I just can’t take the Chargers.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+7.5) @ Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens haven’t been good enough to give more than a touchdown to. I know the Steelers have been terrible offensively since the Ben went out (yeah, the Ben), but they are going to run it better against the Ravens’ porous run defense, and maybe, just maybe, Batch gets Wallace or Brown to break a short one deep to cover this one right up. Close game, even in Baltimore, even without the Ben.

Cleveland Browns (-2) @ Oakland Raiders

I can’t believe I’m taking the Browns as a favorite on the road. Getting healthy, getting better, and taking on Oakland – yeah, not much of a choice.

Philadelphia Eagles (+11) @ Dallas Cowboys

I’m taking points because both of these teams love to blow freebies. Both of these teams should be starting over next year, but it looks like only Philly is willing to make that commitment to change. I like their big rookie RB to make enough plays in this one to keep it within double digits.

New York Giants (-2.5) @ Washington Redskins

Interesting Monday Nighter as this one was close last time around in New York, and if Washington wants any sniff of the postseason, they’ll have to win this game. Still, the Giants are the better team, all the way around, and that will show on Monday, I’m almost sure.