The Buffalo Bills put together a workmanlike effort to earn their third win of the season on Sunday, defeating the Cleveland Browns 13-6 in a game played in a steady rain. Coach Chan Gailey’s offense featured a heavy dose of the running game, with Fred Jackson gaining 112 yards, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick picking up key first downs on scrambles and C.J. Spiller getting a chance to make a significant contribution also. The Bills’ defense allowed Cleveland’s power runner, Peyton Hillis, to run wild on the game’s opening drive, but to their credit held the Browns to a field goal on that drive and held Hillis in check for most of the rest of the game. Buffalo had a 12 minute advantage in time of possession, and were able to control the ball with the run game and run out the clock at the end. There was some bad news for the Bills as wide receiver Lee Evans left the game with an ankle injury, and there is speculation that he might be done for the season. Then again, at this point with a 3-10 record, it would allow team management to get good looks at Donald Jones, David Nelson and Naaman Roosevelt as they look ahead to next season. The Bills have division rivals Miami, New England and the New York Jets left on the schedule and can play spoilers in the AFC playoff race by pulling an upset or two. One thing is for sure – the team has shown that it will compete to the bitter end, so those final 3 games should be interesting.

After consecutive weeks of successful predicting of NFL games, the tally slipped a bit last week to 10 correct and 6 wrong. This takes the season record to 116 right and 75 incorrect. Here are the week 13 picks:

Indianapolis at Tennessee – the Colts are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in years, having lost 3 straight games. Injuries have been the biggest factor in Indy’s struggles. In this week’s Thursday Night encounter, I’ll go with the Colts to rebound and defeat a reeling Titan team that appears to be packing it in.

Cleveland at Buffalo –  the Browns’ Peyton Hillis is in line to be this week’s recipient of the weekly 100+ yard rushing day that the Bills’ defense gives up. Buffalo played it’s worst game of the year last week in Minnesota, but I’ll pick them to win at home.

Atlanta at Carolina – the Falcons are making believers out of a lot of people as the season goes on, and I can’t see them slipping up here as they continue on toward a huge division matchup with the Saints later in the year. Atlanta wins handily.

Green Bay at Detroit – the Lions, like Buffalo, have been playing most of their opponents tough. This is the time of the year, however, when the real playoff contenders have to step it up, and I believe the Packers are for real. They’ll squeeze out a close win on the road.

Oakland at Jacksonville – at the beginning of the season, nobody expected this to be a matchup of teams contending for playoff spots. I’ll go with the Jaguars to win, since they’ve been more consistent overall and are at home.

New York Giants at Minnesota – Vikings are back playing at last year’s level, but I’ll pick the Giants to win at home, regardless of who Minnesota’s QB is.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh – Steelers put themselves in the driver’s seat in the AFC North by beating the Ravens last week, and I can’t see them slipping up here against a team that will quit if they get behind early. Pittsburgh will win big at home.

Tampa Bay at Washington – I don’t believe either of these teams will qualify for the playoffs when all is said and done, but Tampa Bay is a much better team and will get a road win here behind a big day from Josh Freeman.

St.Louis at New Orleans – the young Rams have a realistic shot at the playoffs, but this is too big a stage for them at this point of their maturation. The Saints will stay on the heels of Atlanta in their division by coming up with a big win at home.

Seattle at San Francisco – the Seahawks can take a big step in the NFC West race by winning this game, but I don’t believe they will. San Francisco’s playoff chances are basically dead, but they’ll win this game to stay mathematically alive.

Denver at Arizona – this is basically the Outhouse To The Penthouse Bowl, with Denver, having started last year 6-0 before folding, visiting Arizona, 2 years removed from playing in the Super Bowl and now struggling. The Broncos are getting better play at the QB position and will win one for interim coach Eric Studesville.

New England at Chicago – the Bears’ defense may be the toughest that New England faces this year. Chicago can win this game if they don’t turn the ball over, and my pick is that they will.

Miami at New York Jets – the Jets will be chomping at the bit to avenge their Monday Night Massacre at the hands of the Patriots, but Miami won’t go down easy. I’ll pick the Jets in a close, low scoring game.

Kansas City at San Diego – this is a chance for the Chiefs to make a statement. They beat the Chargers handily earlier this year, and can put some distance between themselves and the Bolts by winning. My pick is that they won’t, as San Diego wins a shootout.

Philadelphia at Dallas – the Cowboys have regained their bearings, and should be flying high after a big win over the Colts last week. Unfortunately, Michael Vick will succeed where Peyton Manning failed and the Eagles will win.

Baltimore at Houston – the Ravens’ defense will be the difference in this one. I see this game staying close and low scoring early, with Joe Flacco breaking loose in the second half to lead Baltimore to an important win.