The score in Thursday's big Cowboys-Saints showdown was not as important as another number: Time of Possession (TOP), which went in favor of the Boys, 37-23. Pundits are crediting the Dallas defense, and it deserves credit - especially the pass rush - but when the Saints' offense hardly touched the football, the Cowboy defense's job was made a lot easier.

We've seen 100-point games, but ball-control football could make a comeback - especially in the outdoor games as the weather cools.

The NFL games of Week 13 will further clarify the playoff picture and eliminate several teetering on the edge.

In the NFC, the conference-leading Saints and Rams have tough matches versus the Cowboys and Lions. That Saints-Cowboys showdown vaults the Thursday night game into the slot of 'game of the week'. The Lions badly need to stop their slide, but may not have the horses to corral the Rams.

Elsewhere, the Broncos and Bengals try to lift their playoff hopes. And, in another marquee matchup, the Vikings visit the Patriots. Sunday night, the red hot Chargers will try to upset the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Last week, I correctly picked 67% of the game winners (10-5). Just so happens, that is also my winning percentage over the first 12 weeks.  Here are the Week 13 games and my picks:

1.  Saints at Cowboys                 Saints            * Unfortunately, Dallas took my advice! *
2.  Bears at Giants                       Bears
3.  Cardinals at Packers             Packers
4.  Colts at Jaguars                      Jaguars
5.  Browns at Texans                 Texans
6.  Panthers at Buccaneers      Panthers
7.  Bills at Dolphins                    Dolphins
8.  Broncos at Bengals              Bengals
9.  Ravens at Falcons                Falcons
10. Rams at Lions                     Rams
11. Chiefs at Raiders               Chiefs
12. Jets at Titans                      Titans
13. Vikings at Patriots           Patriots
14. 49ers at Seahawks           Seahawks
15. Chargers at Steelers        Steelers
16. Redskins at Eagles          Eagles 

Enjoy!