NFL Week 13 open thread

My week of vacation got off to a great start with a Steeler win in Kansas City last Sunday evening, 13-9, which showed that the Pittsburgh defense remains strong.  They’ll need that defense when the Bengals come calling this afternoon.  They lost to Pittsburgh at home, and their narrow escape from Cleveland last week doesn’t make a good argument that they could prevail in Heinz Field.  Pittsburgh over Cincy, 27-17.

Last Sunday I went 4-0 with my picks — my first perfecto this season, which brings my season record to 48-25.  What will happen today?

• Broncos at Vikings — Will we be Pondering the possibilities, or Tebowing to the inevitable?  Even if the Vikings get off to a good start against Denver, Tebow has a knack for last-minute miracles.  However, without Adrian Peterson, Minnesota might not make it to a large lead in the first half.  I’m going to Tebow  to the inevitable, with a 23-20 Bronco win over Minnesota.
• Ravens at Browns — I’d love to pick the Browns to beat Baltimore at home.  It’s not entirely out of the question, either; the Ravens are sub-.500 on the road (2-3) and Cleveland hates the Ravens.  Still, while I can hope for a Ravens loss to put Pittsburgh in the lead, I’m not going to predict one.  Ravens win 31-17.
• Packers at Giants — Don Shula’s going to have to wait for another week to pop the bubbly.  The Giants will give Aaron Rodgers a good game, but the Packers will keep their unbeaten record intact after a visit to the East Coast.  Green Bay 33, Giants 20.
• Lions at Saints — This should be the game of the week, if only to see who gets to stomp on someone who’s already on the ground now that Ndamukong Suh’s suspension has begun.  The Saints are unbeaten at home, but this matchup will give them plenty of trouble.  New Orleans will eke out a 33-30 win, perhaps in OT.
• Chargers at Jaguars — Neither of these teams are going anywhere this season, but I like picking Monday night games every week.  The Bolts have lost four of their five road games, while the Jags have lost three of their five home games.  It’s another good matchup like the Saints/Lions game, but for worse reasons.   I’ll pick San Diego to win it, 24-19.