Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 13

In week 13 of the NFL season, we’re getting some dynamite primetime games. The rest of the schedule? Meh. Still, time to break it down.

(6-5) Jacksonville Jaguars at
(5-6) Tennessee Titans

In a down year for the AFC South (specifically the Colts), the Jaguars are keeping their heads above water in the division hunt. Throttling a division foe when they’re down could give them plenty of momentum going forward. The Titans are expecting to get Kerry Collins back for this one, instantly upgrading their passing attack and giving Chris Johnson room to run. I’m feeling the Titans today.

(5-6) Washington Redskins at
(7-4) New York Giants

To get to .500 the ‘Skins have to go on the road and take down one of the better teams in the NFC. Hampered by injuries, the Giant offense can’t afford to give the ball away and let McNabb have a short field. They have to keep up with the Eagles in the NFC East, which is no easy task.

(5-6) Oakland Raiders at
(6-5) San Diego Chargers

I’ll describe this one quickly. If the Raiders don’t beat the Chargers, their playoff hopes are done. If the Chargers lose, they don’t deserve to play in the post-season.

(3-8) Dallas Cowboys at
(6-5) Indianapolis Colts

Pfft. Cowboys suck. They’re also on the road in Indianapolis today, getting Peyton Manning after arguable the two worst weeks of his regular season career. Who’s betting he makes it three? Not this guy.

(9-2) Atlanta Falcons at
(7-4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This game will be closer than it should be. The Falcons don’t blow anyone out, they just win any way they can. The Bucs are better than expected, but they haven’t shown me anything this year that says they’re ready to take this step.

(8-3) Pittsburgh Steelers at
(8-3) Baltimore Ravens

This game is the very definition of smash-mouth. Neither team will have success running the ball, so it will be up to the quarterbacks to earn the win. With a fractured foot, there’s no way I’m putting my money on Ben Roethlisberger. Not against the Ravens. Baltimore should get the win in a close one.

(9-2) New York Jets at
(9-2) New England Patriots

The glitzy match-up of the week, the Patriots are looking for revenge against the Jets, who slapped them around in week two. The Jet defense is good this year, but not great. They’re missing a pass-rusher, which means they’ll need to blitz and expose their defensive holes to Tom Brady. Not a good idea. (But it was good innuendo.) Hey mark Sanchez, can you out-play Brady twice in one season? I doubt it.

Football! Get some!