The 2013 NFL Big 5: Divisionals!

Lots of underdogs this week, but can any prevail?

The new NFL week is here and with it comes chaos. Fortunately, Maxim is here to help you navigate these uncharted waters with five predictions that will undoubtedly (or just maybe) come true.

Big Upset – Colts over Patriots

Three home teams are favored by more than a touchdown this week, but only one of them orchestrated a mammoth playoff comeback against one of the league’s toughest defenses last week. Expect a shootout as Brady has the ability to pick apart this Colts secondary, but don’t expect to find any quit in Indy’s squad. We’re wagering that Tom’s depleted receiver squad dries up before Luck’s.

Big Performance – Knowshon Moreno

The man has quietly been making room for Peyton Manning to throw the ball all year not only with his brutal carries but with his incredible pass-blocking as well. As the share in the Broncos backfield diminished and Moreno took hold, Denver became a truly complete team. Look for him to have another beautifully consistent game. 

Big Flop – Marshawn Lynch

We’re not saying that Beast Mode won’t produce on his carries (we would never say that Marshawn, please don’t stiff-arm us), but Pete Carroll might resort to more high-flying tactics – especially with his prized Percy Harvin making his second start of the season. Even with limited carries, just the threat of Lynch will probably keep the box stacked throughout the game, so in that way, he’s just as dangerous without the ball as he is with it.

Big Storyline – Really?

There’s only seven more games of football left; do you need another reason to watch?

Big Stinker – San Francisco at Carolina

Defensive battle. YAWN. You might like a tense and subtle tactical engagement but our engines run on pure touchdowns.

Photos by Steve Nehf/ Getty Images | Licensed to Alpha Media Group 2014