2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 13

NFL picks and score predictions for Week 13 as the 2021 season creeps towards its close.

Through 12 weeks, the 2021 NFL season has been a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster ride. With only six weeks of gridiron greatness left on the calendar before the playoffs begin, I’m not expecting anything to change. For now, though, let’s focus on the immediate future.

As usual, we’ve got you covered with the Week 13 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Just as in years passed, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience, and careful consideration.

I swear making these picks gets harder and harder as the season goes on. Things got better in Week 11, and then took a terrible turn for the worse from there. My Week 12 NFL picks resulted in a pathetic 7-8 record, my worst of the season. That moves my overall record on the year to 115-66-1. It could be worse, but I’ll admit I’m not happy about last week’s outcome.

Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?

Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 13. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.

Making NFL picks and predictions for Week 13 of the NFL season

Week 13 Byes: Carolina Panthers (5-7), Cleveland Browns (6-6), Green Bay Packers (9-3), Tennessee Titans (8-4) | All point spreads and odds are courtesy of WynnBet.

Dallas Cowboys (7-4) at New Orleans Saints (5-6)

Thursday, December 2, 8:20PM ET

Things aren’t looking good for the New Orleans Saints right now. Since Jameis Winston’s departure due to injury, it’s essentially been all downhill for this franchise. Having lost their last four games and suddenly looking like an NFC afterthought, this could be their last chance to stop the bleeding.

Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening — even against the similarly struggling Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys themselves have lost three of their last four, and haven’t looked like the squad that started the season 6-1. Their offense has hit a wall, and the defense isn’t doing enough to make up for it.

Fortunately for Dallas, this matchup with the Saints should prove fruitful. The New Orleans offense hasn’t been able to get going with Trevor Siemian under center and Alvin Kamara sidelined. With that on top of not having Michael Thomas or Winston, and it’s been a bad deal all-around for the Saints.

That’s why this is the perfect opportunity for the Cowboys to capitalize. Take advantage of an ailing Saints team and right the ship. Otherwise, we may start talking about Dallas as a pretender with the playoffs only a handful of weeks away.

Prediction: Cowboys win 27-17 | Spread: Cowboys (-4.5)