NFL Week 13 Schedule - Steelers at Ravens, Broncos at Cheifs, Falcons at Bucs

New Orleans at Cincinnati 1:00 PM FOX  Paul Brown Stadium

The struggling Bengals will try to stop an 0-8 skid against a Saints team that has found its championship form.  Over the last three games, New Orleans has averaged over 300 yards passing and more than 30 points.  The Bengals on the other hand have wildly underperformed.  Quarterback Carson Palmer is tied for third place in interceptions thrown this season.  

Chicago at Detroit 1:00 PM FOX  Ford Field

The Bears are leading the NFC North and are looking to gain ground against a Lions team that has failed to secure victories late in games.  Chicago is coming off a win against the Philadelphia Eagles last week, and think that they can stop anybody after keeping one of the league’s most exciting offenses from mounting any big plays.  The Lions are starting third string quarterback Drew Stanton after injuries to Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill have left them shorthanded at the position.

 San Francisco at Green Bay 1:00 PM FOX   Lambeau Field

The Packers are looking to keep up with the Bears while the 49ers are only a game out of first place themselves.  The 49ers need to find a way to replace Frank Gore, who suffered a season ending injury last week, if they want to find a way to get into the playoffs.  Though they have been playing well under quarterback Troy Smith, the Packers are a very good team and were an early Super Bowl favorite who have suffered myriad injuries of their own.

Jacksonville at Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS  LP Field

The Titans season could come down to this game against the Jaguars.  They have been up and down this year, most recently making headlines for off the field issues.  Quarterback Vince Young was asked not to attend team meetings after storming out of a game and being placed on injured reserve and cornerback Cortland Finnegan took part in an on field fight last Sunday.  The Jaguars are relying on left tackle Eugene Monroe to come back from injury and protect quarterback David Garrard.  He will also open some holes for Maurice Jones-Drew to run through as he continues to surge.

Denver at Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS   Arrowhead Stadium

Denver is another team making headlines for the wrong reasons.  The coach was recently caught illegally filming opponents plays and has since paid a fine and apologized.  The last meeting between these two teams ended with an icy Todd Haley, Chiefs coach, refusing to shake hands with the Broncos coach because he felt they had run up the score.  The Chiefs need to win this game to stay ahead of the San Diego Chargers, who are only one game behind them in the West division.

Cleveland at Miami 1:00 PM CBS  Sun Life Stadium

Jake Delhomme will be starting at quarterback for the Browns on Sunday.  Though they have shown promise of late, the Browns are unlikely candidates for the playoffs at 4-7.  They will head to Miami trying to beat the Dolphins on the road for the first time since 1970.  The Dolphins are finally set at quarterback with Chad Henne getting the start.  Look for Browns running back Peyton Hillis to continue his breakout season with the Browns.

Buffalo at Minnesota 1:00 PM CBS  Mall of America Field

The Vikings enter this game not knowing whether or not Adrian Peterson will be available in the backfield.  He sprained his ankle last week and is a game-time decision to play against the Bills.  The Vikings couldn’t have picked a better team to play with a missing offensive player, the Bills are only 2-9 on the year and have found ways to lose games late, as Steve Johnson’s overtime drop cost them dearly in overtime last week against the Steelers.

Washington at NY Giants 1:00 PM FOX  New Meadowlands Stadium

The Giants have never fared well against Donovan McNabb in the past, but this season has not been one of McNabb’s best.  In fact it’s his worst.  He has more interceptions than touchdowns and has seen two of his running backs go down with injury, increasing the pressure on him to win games for a struggling Redskins team.  Both teams are in the playoff picture though, with the Giants half a game behind the Eagles and the Redskins ready to make up ground in a tight division race.

Oakland at San Diego 4:05 PM CBS  Qualcomm Stadium

The Chargers have been the best December team in the National Football League for the last few years.  A win Sunday means gives them a winning streak of 19 straight in the month.  The Raiders however are looking to remain relevant in a division race that has underwhelmed, but is still within their reach.  Look for the Chargers high powered offense and stingy defense to hold the Raiders down and come away with a victory.

Carolina at Seattle 4:15 PM FOX Qwest Field

The Seahawks are trying to win their fifth division title in seven years.  The Panthers are trying to win their second game of the season.  While the Seahawks have a reason to fight for the win, there is really nothing good to say about the Panthers.  They are well behind in their division, with the Falcons and Saints battling for the top spot.  The Seahawks should handle this one easily and stay competitive in the division.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay 4:15 PM FOX  Raymond James Stadium

The Falcons have the NFL’s best record and are looking to secure home field advantage for the playoffs.  To do this, they must continue their winning ways on a three week road trip that this week takes them to division rival Tampa Bay.  Tampa has not impressed against good teams this year, but are still a dangerous young team looking to make a statement.  The Falcons have not beaten themselves this year, and with Matt Ryan and Michael Turner clicking, this should be a win for the Falcons.

St. Louis at Arizona 4:15 PM FOX  U of Phoenix Stadium

The Rams head to Arizona to under the guidance of rookie Sam Bradford looking for their first back to back road wins for the first time in three seasons.  The Cardinals have been struggling as of late, still unable to find a quarterback they feel comfortable with starting.  The Rams will try to win without tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, who is out with a high ankle sprain.

Dallas at Indianapolis 4:15 PM FOX  Lucas Oil Stadium

The usually solid Colts have been struggling this year, and missing the playoffs is a real possibility.  Though they have been hurt, they have not found the ways to win they normally do.  Dallas is a team playing for pride the rest of the season.  After starting the season with high expectations, they stumbled from the start and head coach Wade Phillips was fired.  They have played much better since that point and look to build wide receiver Dez Bryant for next year.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore 8:20 PM NBC  M&T Bank Stadium

Two perennial playoff teams square off in what is sure to be a hard-fought, hard-hitting game.  The focus will be on the health of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  Hurt during last week’s game, the Ravens defense is sure to bring pressure early to throw him out of synch with the rest of the offense and create trouble for the whole game.  Also watch out for Steelers linebacker James Harrison, who has been fined $125,000 so far this year for illegal hits.