NFL picks Week 13: Falcons-Buccaneers and every other game

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL season has reached December. Here’s all of the Week 13 picks.

December football has arrived, which means plenty of divisional games and a thrilling playoff race in both conferences. We are about to find out which teams are championship contenders. My picks last week were average, with the late games slumping my total to 8-8.

There are a number of interesting games up this week. The Falcons travel to take on the Buccaneers, and the Thursday Night Football showdown between the Packers and Lions is huge. The Seahawks at Vikings game could be the best of the week. All lines are provided by OddsShark.

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)

The Falcons (6-5) are turning it over for fun, but they are a desperate team looking to end the slide. The Buccaneers (5-6) aren’t completely out of the playoff hunt, and they could get themselves right in the mix with a win. It’s tough to trust Atlanta.

Pick: Tampa Bay 20, Atlanta 16

Green Bay Packers (-3) at Detroit Lions

It’s gone from bad to worse for the Packers (7-4), but they are still right in the hunt after their 6-0 start. The Lions (4-7) are riding a three-game winning streak, and beat the Packers three weeks ago at Lambeau Field. Still, Mike McCarthy’s teams often play their best when their backs are against the wall.

Pick: Green Bay 26, Detroit 21

Next: Early games