The Chicago Bears run at success figures to get a bit rockier with the loss of Jay Cutler, who had really been playing well. His replacement, Caleb Hanie, can make plays with his feet, but is no Cutler in the air. Thankfully for Hanie and the Bears, the Kansas City Chiefs are led by Tyler Palko in what figures to be his last ever NFL start before he gives way to newly acquired Kyle Orton.

PHOTO CREDIT - ChicagoBears.com

Antigonish - December 3, 2011 - Coming off a 5 for 6 week, PP now stands at a respectable 48/62 (77%) for the year, just shy of my goal of 80%. Week 13 has some very interesting matchups that not only have playoff implications, but spinoffs for the 2012 NFL draft as well. On to the picks!

Upset of the Week - Carolina at Tampa Bay - The Panthers have an explosive offense, although they are vulnerable on D. The Bucs have self-imploded on both sides of the ball, and with starting QB Josh Freeman questionable at best, they may not be in the best position to take advantage of the spotty Carolina run defense, despite the presence of battering ram Legarate Blount. Panthers win in a wide open shootout!

Lock of the Week - St Louis Rams at SF 49ers - Foregoing the obvious Pats/Colts mismatch, I am going with another likely one-sided game, as the weak sister Rams look to be bullied by the league best 49er defense. The 49ers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, while the Rams are still in the running for 1st overall with only 2 wins to date. They will not add to that paltry total this week - 49ers win!

KC at Chicago - The Bears run at success figures to get a bit rockier with the loss of Jay Cutler, who had really been playing well. His replacement, Caleb Hanie, can make plays with his feet, but is no Cutler in the air. Thankfully for Hanie and the Bears, the Chiefs are led by Tyler Palko in what figures to be his last ever NFL start before he gives way to newly acquired Kyle Orton. That should be all the Bears need. Bears win!

Atlanta at Houston - The Texans have had a strong of injuries, and are on to their 3rd string QB in TJ Yates, although he will be happy to get WR Andre Johnson back. Atlanta and QB Matt Ryan have been steadily getting stronger as the season goes on, which shoudl help them on the road in Houston. Falcons win in a tight one.

NY Jets at Washington - The Jets have been inconsistent all year, but they should have no difficulties beating up on a Washington team that despite a decent running game, cannot get it going through the air, as they have been held back by spotty QB play. Look for the Jets to outmuscle and out finesse the Skins. Jets win.