NFL Week 13 Staff Picks: No Palmer, no problem for Cardinals in Atlanta

Each week during the NFL season, the staff at theScore will put on their prognosticator hats and offer up selections against the spread for each of the week’s games, highlighting several marquee matchups.

Unanimous selections: Lions -7, Bengals -3.5, Panthers +3, Cardinals -2.5, Patriots +3, Dolphins -6

Unanimous selections are 20-17-1 ATS for the season. Last week: 1-1-1 ATS.

Marquee Matchups

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5)

Gino Bottero: A lot has changed in Arlington this season, but the Cowboys continue to struggle against the number as favorites – a fact that those who backed Dallas as 3.5-point favorites against the Giants a week ago can attest to. The Philadelphia offense has kicked things into high gear with Mark Sanchez under center. This feels like a game the 'Boys win, but they just can't be trusted to build a margin. Eagles +3.5

Caitlyn Holroyd: Mark Sanchez is 2-1 as a starter this season, but both of those wins came against teams with losing records. He's been far from perfect, too, throwing six interceptions in the four games he's appeared in. Tony Romo, on the other hand, has 13 touchdowns and just one interception in his past five games. He also has DeMarco Murray at his disposable, who has been held to less than 100 rushing yards by only one team this season. The Eagles' 16th-ranked rushing defense will have a difficult time keeping up with the NFL's leading rusher. Cowboys -3.5

Dan Wilkins: While a matchup with an increasingly vulnerable defense may be exactly what Mark Sanchez needs to solve his recent turnover issues, what the Eagles will face on the other side of the ball still has this game in Dallas's favor heading in. Possessing one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the NFL, the Cowboys should have their way with the Eagles' defense, moving the ball with consistency on the ground and hitting on big plays through the air. The Eagles should be able to keep it close with a solid running game of their own, but look for the Cowboys to continue their impressive Thanksgiving Day success. Cowboys -3.5

New England Patriots at Green Bay Packers (-3)

Bottero: For as dominant as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' offense has looked in recent weeks, the Patriots have been able to hold Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and Matthew Stafford in check over the last three weeks. The Packers' defense is far more vulnerable to what the Patriots' offense brings to the table. This is New England's time of year – the Patriots are 33-5 in their last 38 games played in November or December. Patriots +3

Holroyd: Believe it or not, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have never squared off against each other as starters. That alone makes for an intriguing matchup, but both quarterbacks are also enjoying very good seasons. The Packers are a perfect 5-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents by a combined 219-85. Putting up points won't be a problem for the Patriots, though, as they're averaging a league-best 32.5 points per game this season and just under 40 points over their last seven games. As long as the Patriots can establish their running game early, they should be able to escape Lambeau Field with a win. Patriots +3

Wilkins: As good as the Patriots' offense has been of late, it is the defense's ability to match up with and slow some of the league's most high-powered attacks that has been most impressive. Although the unit will be in tough against the Packers' Aaron Rodgers-led passing game, recent performances against the likes of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck indicate they'll be able to hold their own. If the offense can also do its part in keeping Rodgers off the field, getting back to the power running game that carried them past the Colts in Week 11, the Patriots should come out on the winning end once again. Patriots +3

Denver Broncos (-2) at Kansas City Chiefs

Bottero: It's a little troubling to see that the Broncos are 2-3 on the road entering this matchup, but this is still a series they have dominated in recent years. Denver has won each of the five meetings between these teams by at least a touchdown since Peyton Manning came to town. Broncos -2

Holroyd: Losing to the previously-unbeaten Raiders has got to hurt for the Chiefs, who had won five straight coming into their Week 12 matchup. That, coupled with the Broncos' injury-ridden offense, has all the makings of an upset. Kansas City is 8-3 against the spread this season, while Denver is 5-6 overall and 2-3 on the road. Chiefs +2

Wilkins: Although the Chiefs match up well on one side of the ball, possessing the kind of pass rush capable of disrupting the Broncos' passing game, the Kansas City offense will be in for a long day. The Broncos' second-ranked run defense should be able to force the ball into the hands of Alex Smith and a passing attack that has still yet to see a wide receiver find the end zone. Look for the Broncos to take full advantage, coming away with a win over the Chiefs for a second time this season and maintaining sole possession of first place in the AFC West. Broncos -2

Wild-Card Selections

New York Giants (-2.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Bottero: The Jaguars have been better at home and it's tough to fade a team that got embarrassed its last time out, but the Giants' offense is coming around. With Odell Beckham Jr. establishing himself as the top option in the passing game and Rashad Jennings back in tow, the Giants could make some noise down the stretch. Jacksonville would be a great place to get that run kick-started. Giants -2.5

Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) at Atlanta Falcons

Holroyd: Arizona was bound to lose again at some point and there are far worse scenarios than losing on the road to the defending Super Bowl champions. The same can't be said for the Atlanta Falcons, whose clock management cost them a game against the Cleveland Browns. The Cardinals may not have Larry Fitzgerald back this week, but it shouldn't matter, as the Falcons are allowing a league-worst 409.9 total yards per game. Cardinals -2.5

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-1)

Wilkins: With both offenses struggling of late, this highly anticipated division matchup should be a physical, low-scoring game that comes down to turnovers. Given Russell Wilson's ability to take care of the ball despite some shaky offensive line play and Colin Kaepernick's struggles with ball security this season, the Seahawks have the edge in this one. A win here would go a long way toward maintaining the momentum established last week and setting the team up for a playoff run down the stretch. Seahawks +1

More NFL Betting Resources

Thanksgiving Day Betting Preview (Thursday)
Week 13 Betting Preview (Friday)
Game Day Betting Update (Sunday)
MNF Betting Preview (Monday)

Lines courtesy Scoresandodds.com.