Greg Cote

NFL WEEK 13

Greg Cote’s Week 13 NFL picks

 

gcote@MiamiHerald.com

JAGUARS (2-9) at BILLS (4-7)

Line: BUF by 6.

Cote’s pick: BUF 24-20.

TV: 1 p.m., CBS.

Chad Henne the past two games has a 119 passer rating for Jacksonville with six TDs and only one pick. Yes, Chad Henne! And claiming Jason Babin off the waiver wire should help Jags’ paltry pass rush. But let’s not suddenly mistake J-ville for a decent team, OK? Jax is 1-4 on road and weather also favors Buffs. Close, though. Who are the Bills to be favored over anybody by six points?

SEAHAWKS (6-5) at BEARS (8-3)

Line: CHI by 3 1/2.

Cote’s pick: CHI 21-19.

TV: 1 p.m., Fox.

Game of the Week finalist. Seattle has won at Solider Field each of past two seasons and has another great shot here. But I can’t get past this: Seahawks are 1-5 away and Bears are 5-1 at home. And Chitown has the defense to make Russell Wilson forget his hot hand and remind him he’s a rookie. The pick presumes Matt Forte (ankle) will play. Either way, like ’Hawks with that dangling half-point.

49ERS (8-2-1) at RAMS (4-6-1)

Line: SF by 7.

Cote’s pick: SF 23-17.

TV: 1 p.m., Fox.

On Nov. 11, these divisionists produced the NFL’s first standings-blemishing tie since 2008, but now the Niners should get back to dominating this series. Frans have a different starting QB than last time in Colin Kaepernick, but it is the visitors’ defense that should spell the result. I like improved Rams at home to keep it inside the betting line, though.

CARDINALS (4-7) at JETS (4-7)

Line: NYJ by 4 1/2.

Cote’s pick: NYJ 24-13.

TV: 1 p.m., Fox

Did you hear? Jets superfan “Fireman Ed” has retired. Hung up his helmet. This is big news in Fireman Ed’s house. Well, Jets fans should find something to cheer without him here. Arizona has a rookie QB who is struggling (Ryan Lindley) and has lost seven games in a row. This is a visitor that can make a home team look good even if said home team isn’t good.

COLTS (7-4) at LIONS (4-7)

Line: DET by 4 1/2.

Cote’s pick: DET 34-27.

TV: 1 p.m., CBS.

Overachieving Colts and underachieving Lions intersect in what Andrew Luck and Matthew Stafford should turn into an entertaining shootout. Motown has lost some tough close ones (including on Thanksgiving) and is due some luck, and Indy has proved distinctly better at home, with 16 turnovers in its five road games. Always dicey liking erratic Lions, but let’s roll ’em.

VIKINGS (6-5) at PACKERS (7-4)

Line: GB by 9.

Cote’s pick: GB 31-24.

TV: 1 p.m., Fox.

Another Game of the Week nominee, and a game vital in the evolving playoff picture. Pack has won four in a row and nine of past 12 in this division series, and now Aaron Rodgers should have Greg Jennings back to counter Adrian Peterson’s big day against a depleted Gee Bees run D. Can’t see a second consecutive off game by Mister Rodgers’ crew after last week’s egg vs. Giants.

TEXANS (10-1) at TITANS (4-7)

Line: HOU by 6.

Cote’s pick: HOU 31-17.

TV: 1 p.m., CBS.

Houston clinches playoff spot with a win. Book it. Betting line grew throughout week but still seems modest, perhaps because Tennessee is 7-3 at home vs. Houston. But Texans dominated Titans 38-14 on Sept. 30, and should again. In a duel of top backs, like Arian Foster vs. Tenners’ D a lot more than Chris Johnson vs. Houston’s. Texans also are 5-0 on road and should be well-rested after playing on Bird Day.

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