Weekly Wager: Week 13

For the season, Weekly Wager is 22-16 in total. 8-8 on college games, 14-8 in NFL.  Since the college season is basically over, pending the conference title games, we're sticking to NFL games from here on out until the bowl games.  With that said, here are the picks for this week:

Philadelphia @ Seattle (+3.0) - THU 8:20PM - NFL
Andy Reid is in the hot seat. What's new? No one can deny the Eagles season has been a complete debacle. While some Eagles fans think the squad still has a shot at the playoffs, their season is all but over and the players know it. Given that, I don't expect the team to get up for a Thursday night game in Seattle. Without Vick, Seattle's below average defense will sneak by as Marshawn Lynch should continue to help Tavaris Jackson get out of trouble. Seattle is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games. Seattle will win this one...Philadelphia 21, Seattle 24

Denver @ Minnesota (-1.5) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX

If you haven't seen the E:60 Special that follows Tim Tebow around leading up to draft day, I recommend you put it on your To-Do List. Hate on Tim Tebow all you want, but he's a winner and his teammates respect him. The kid has worked his tail off to achieve all of his accomplishments and deserves all the accolades he receives. Christian Ponder might be the better NFL QB down the road, but Tebow is the better one today. Tebow is only completing 45% of his passes compared to Ponder's 54%, but Tebow has only thrown 1 pick versus 8 TDs and has an 80.5 QB Rating, while Ponder is throwing 1 pick for each TD at 6 and 6 with a 72.6 QB Rating. My bet is Adrian Peterson sits this one out, which leaves Ponder to fend for himself likely resulting in another loss for Minny. I expect the game to be close, which ultimately favors Denver...Denver 20, Minnesota 17

NY Jets @ Washington (+3.0) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX

Finally, the 'Skins won a game last week after losing six straight. However, don't expect them to make it two straight. Whether its Beck or Grossman at QB, the 'Skins offense, which is currently averaging less than 17ppg and 90yds rushing per game, is going to struggle. Add the Jets defense to the equation, and the 'Skins offense will struggle mightily. Rex Ryan has taken off the kid gloves with Sanchez at the same time the NY media is getting off the 'Sanchize' train. I've never been a huge believer in Sanchez, but I think he bears down this week, gets on the same page as his receivers, and comes back with a strong outing against the 'Skins...NY Jets 24, Washington 13

Atlanta @ Houston (+3.0) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX
Sorry Matt Leinhart, your 2011 season under center lasted less than one half of football. Since the Texans are 8-3 and sitting in first place of the AFC North, they have the luxury of giving rookie TJ Yates a shot at running the show. TJ might end up surprising some people, but with Atlanta's run defense only allowing a stingy 83.5yds rpg, TJ is going to have his hands full early. TJ has the weapons, but I don't see him winning or covering in his first NFL start. I expect to see a lot of short dumps to Arian Foster, but as long as Matt Ryan gets going early and spreads the field, I see Atlanta winning with relative ease...Atlanta 27, Houston 17


San Diego @ Jacksonville (+2.5) - MON 8:30PM - ESPN

A new coach and new owner as of the beginning of the week, does not bode well for Jacksonville. San Diego is having a rough go at it with 6 straight losses, but I don't expect Phillip Rivers to allow the Jaguars to give them a 7th straight loss. At some point, I think we'll hear a lot about how much Rivers' teammates couldn't stand him, but in the meantime, Norv Turner will take the heat. As long as Rivers doesn't turn the ball over, the Chargers should snap their losing streak this week...San Diego 24, Jacksonville 13