Week 13 NFL Picks Against the Spread: Seattle to Win Monday Night Game Actually Worth Watching

Happy Thanksgiving weekend, everyone.

We’ve got a full slate this week, so let’s just get right to the picks. That’s the only reason you’re here, anyway.

NESN.com editors John Beattie and Mike Cole are about to eclipse the 100-loss mark on the season because they both stink, but you can check out their picks below if for nothing else than to ridicule them.

All lines are from Bovada as of Wednesday and, after a hearty Thanksgiving meal on Thursday and some leftover turkey sandwiches on Friday, may be changed based on changes in the spreads. If lines are off on Bovada on Thursday, Yahoo! lines will be used for those games.

Green Bay at Detroit (-6)

John: Detroit

Mike: Detroit

Why: As the resident Packers fan, this one pains me, because it will probably end Green Bay’s season. But if anyone other than Aaron Rodgers is under center for the Pack, there’s just no way that defense can hang with Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the rest of the Lions offense. Pass me the sangria. -MC

Oakland at Dallas (-10)

John: Dallas

Mike: Dallas

Why: The Cowboys like to serve up points on Turkey Day. -JB

Pittsburgh at Baltimore (-3)

John: Pittsburgh

Mike: Pittsburgh

Why: I said last week that the Steelers are going to make the playoffs, and I stand by that. In order to do so, I’ve gotta pick them here on the road in front of a national audience. Whatevs. -MC

Tennessee at Indianapolis (-4)

John: Tennessee

Mike: Indianapolis

Why: The Colts are just too unpredictable. -JB

Jacksonville at Cleveland (-7)

John: Jacksonville

Mike: Jacksonville

Why: The Jaguars have won two of their last three games, which is a major development given the way they started the year. The Browns have lost their last two games by a combined 37 points. Gimme those points! -MC

Tampa Bay at Carolina (-9)

John: Tampa Bay

Mike: Tampa Bay

Why: The Bucs are rolling, baby! -JB

Chicago at Minnesota (-1)

John: Minnesota

Mike: Minnesota

Why: Do you know who gives up more rushing yards per game than the Bears? Nobody. That might be a pretty large problem against the Vikings, who have this Adrian Peterson guy. -MC

Arizona at Philadelphia (-3 1/2)

John: Philadelphia

Mike: Arizona

Why: The Cards have been playing well, but it’s been against awful teams and Philly is coming off the bye. -JB

Miami at New York Jets (-1)

John: Miami

Mike: Miami

Why: This is one big back of suck. I’ll take the Dolphins because while their quarterback isn’t Geno Smith. -MC

New England at Houston (+9)

John: New England

Mike: New England

Why: This feels like a trap game for New England, but Houston is just not a very good football team. -JB

Atlanta at Buffalo (-3 1/2)

John: Atlanta

Mike: Buffalo

Why: My “I’m not taking Atlanta or Houston for the rest of the season” is going to be put to the test here. I’d like the Bills even more here if this game was in Buffalo, but it’s the annual Bills “home game” in Toronto. Still, rules are rules, so give me the Bills. -MC

St. Louis at San Francisco (off)

John: San Francisco

Mike: San Francisco

Why: The Niners dismantled the Rams earlier this year in St. Louis. -JB

Denver at Kansas City (+4 1/2)

John: Denver

Mike: Denver

Why: The early forecast for Sunday in Kansas City calls for mild temperatures, which will be a welcomed change for the Broncos after their frigid meltdown (contradiction, I know) against the Patriots. Taking that, as well as injuries to Chiefs D-linemen Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, into account, the pick seems to be a bounce-back for Peyton and his peeps. -MC

Cincinnati at San Diego (off)

John: San Diego

Mike: Cincinnati

Why: Last week’s nice road win over the Chiefs could flip a switch for the Super Chargers, who have four home games remaining. -JB

New York Giants at Washington (off)

John: New York Giants

Mike: New York Giants

Why: I’m picking the Giants to win this game, but the real winner is the American workforce who will show up to work Monday rested, because who wants to watch this monstrosity on a Sunday night? -MC