25 Boston Sports Moments of 2013 to be Thankful for

There has been plenty to be thankful for as a Boston sports fan in the past year. From Tom Brady's late-game heroics for the Patriots, to Jeff Green's buzzer-beaters for the Celtics, to the Bruins historic comeback in Game 7 versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, culminating with the Red Sox winning the World Series, 2013 has been another year for Boston fans to rejoice. Let's look back at the 25 best sports moments of 2013 for the "City of Champions." (Note: To watch a video of any of the moments, just click on the hyperlink.)

25. Red Sox defeat Kansas City Royals 4-2 on the day the victims of the Boston Marathon were honored at Fenway Park. Daniel Nava hit the go-ahead three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory.

24. Jeff Green hits a game-winning layup as time expires in 93-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

23. Jacoby Ellsbury's 2-run double caps 9th-inning rally versus Cleveland Indians as Red Sox score four runs in the bottom of the ninth to win 6-5.

22. Stephen Drew knocks a game-winning single in the bottom of the 15th as Red Sox outlast Seattle Mariners in a game that lasts over five hours.

21. Mike Napoli crushes game-ending solo shot as Sox walk-off in the 11th inning versus New York Yankees.

20. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett reach scoring milestones in blowout victory over Toronto Raptors. Garnett passed Jerry West for 15th all-time, while Pierce passed Charles Barkley for the No. 20 spot.

19. Jonny Gomes blasts walk-off HR versus Tampa Bay Rays.

18. Jonny Gomes hits walk-off homer versus San Diego Padres.

17. Celtics extend winning streak to seven games in thrilling triple overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets. Paul Pierce turned back the clock, recording a triple-double. He posted 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in the win.

16. David Ortiz: "This is our Bleeping City"

15. Tom Brady fires a 17-yard, game-winning TD pass to Kenbrell Thompkins with 5 seconds left in regulation to beat the New Orleans Saints.

14. Red Sox rally versus Seattle Mariners in a comeback for the ages. Trailing 7-2, the Sox score six runs in the final frame for an improbable walk-off win. Daniel Nava hits the walk-off single to cap off the rally.

13. Jeff Green drains buzzer-beater over LeBron James as Celtics shock Miami Heat.

12. Patriots pull off their greatest comeback in franchise history to stun the Broncos 34-31 in overtime, after trailing 24-0 at halftime.

11. Red Sox complete worst-to-first regular season to capture AL East Title.

10. Tom Brady becomes all-time leader in playoff wins for a QB as Patriots throttle Houston Texans 41-28 in AFC Divisional Round.

9. Red Sox advance to ALCS after eliminating Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 of ALDS.

8. John Lackey outduels Justin Verlander in Game 3 of ALCS.

7. Bruins eliminate New York Rangers in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5.

6. Big Papi belts clutch grand slam in Game 2 of ALCS versus Detroit Tigers.

5. Boston Bruins erase 4-1 deficit in Game 7 of Eastern Conference Quarterfinals versus Toronto Maple Leafs to complete one of the greatest comebacks in NHL postseason history.

4. Tukka Rask's near-flawless goal-tending in four-game sweep of Pittsburgh Penguins (2 goals allowed in 4 games) in Eastern Conference Finals propels Bruins to second Stanley Cup Final appearance in three years.

3. Shane Victorino's grand slam in Game 6 of ALCS sends Fenway Park into a frenzy; Red Sox clinch American League Championship.

2. Jon Lester's gem versus St. Louis Cardinals (7.1 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER) in Game 5 of World Series pulls Red Sox within a win of their eighth title in franchise history.

1. Koji Uehera closes out the 2013 World Series as Red Sox secure third title in 10 years. The Sox clinched the championship at Fenway Park for the first time since 1918.

NFL Week 13 Picks

Green Bay Packers (5-5-1) at Detroit Lions (6-5)

Oakland Raiders (4-7) at Dallas Cowboys (6-5)

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6) at Baltimore Ravens (5-6)

New England Patriots (8-3) at Houston Texans (2-9)

Miami Dolphins (5-6) at New York Jets (5-6)

Tennessee Titans (5-6) at Indianapolis Colts (7-4)

Arizona Cardinals (7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (6-5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-8) at Carolina Panthers (8-3)

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) at Cleveland Browns (4-7)

Chicago Bears (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (2-8-1)

Atlanta Falcons (2-9) at Buffalo Bills (4-7) * Game in Toronto

St. Louis Rams (5-6) at San Francisco 49ers (7-4)

Denver Broncos (9-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (9-2)

Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) at San Diego Chargers (5-6)

New York Giants (4-7) at Washington Redskins (3-8)

New Orleans Saints (9-2) at Seattle Seahawks (10-1)

WEEK BY WEEK RESULTS 2013

Week 1: 11-5

Week 2: 13-3

Week 3: 6-10 

Week 4: 11-4  (Byes: Carolina, Green Bay)

Week 5: 8-6 (Byes: Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Washington)

Week 6: 9-6 (Byes: Atlanta, Miami)

Week 7: 10-5 (Byes: New Orleans, Oakland)

Week 8: 10-3 (Byes: Chicago, Tennessee, Indianapolis, San Diego, Baltimore, 

Houston)

Week 9: 9-4 (Byes: Denver, Detroit, NY Giants, Arizona, San Francisco, Jacksonville)

Week 10: 7-7 (Byes: Cleveland, New England, NY Jets, Kansas City)

Week 11: 8-7 (Byes: Dallas, St. Louis)

Week 12: 6-7-1 (Byes: Seattle, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Philadelphia) 

Season Record: 108-67-1

NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Patriots Re-Establish Place Among The AFC Elite

 1. Seattle Seahawks (10-1) Last Week: 1

The Seahawks will be fully rested following their Week 12 bye for their critical NFC showdown versus the New Orleans Saints on “Monday Night Football” at CenturyLink Field, where Russell Wilson has never lost.

2. New Orleans Saints (9-2) Last Week: 4

The Saints maintained their one game lead in the NFC South, avoiding a colossal upset by narrowly defeating the lowly Falcons at the Georgia Dome on “Thursday Night Football.” The Saints' upcoming contest at Seattle could determine the fate of the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

3. Denver Broncos (9-2) Last Week: 2

Blowing a 24 point halftime lead is an obvious cause for concern, but another distress for the Broncos had to be the play of Peyton Manning, who struggled in the cold weather once again. On a bright side, Knowshon Moreno finished with a career-high 224 yards, despite his longest carry being just 18 yards.

4. New England Patriots (8-3) Last Week: 6

The Patriots pulled off their greatest comeback in franchise-history to stun the Broncos 34-31 in overtime, after trailing 24-0 at halftime. With a favorable schedule to end its season, the Pats now have a realistic shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) Last Week: 3

What happened to the Chiefs touted defense versus the Chargers? Entering Sunday’s contest, the Chiefs had surrendered just 304.8 yards and 12.8 points per game. Yet, the Chiefs were lit up by the Chargers, who scored 41 points and amassed 491 yards of total offense.

6. Carolina Panthers (8-3) Last Week: 5

Cam Newton looked terrible for most of Sunday’s win, but he was able to engineer a time-consuming, 80 yard drive capped by a 1-yard TD pass to Greg Olsen. The Panthers, winners of seven in a row, are the hottest team in the NFL and can challenge the Saints for the NFC South crown.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) Last Week: 8

The bye week came at the perfect time for the Bengals, who play at San Diego, versus Indianapolis, and at Pittsburgh in their next three games.

8. Dallas Cowboys (6-5) Last Week: 14

Tony Romo leads the league with 11 game-winning drives in the past three seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Imagine how many more game-winning drives Tony Choke Clutch Romo would have under his belt if he wasn’t the QB of a team with a woeful defense that constantly surrenders leads in the waning moments of contests. 

9. San Francisco 49ers (7-4) Last Week: 12

The most encouraging part of the 49ers drubbing of the Redskins on “Monday Night Football”? The 49ers thrived on offense, despite an off-game from Frank Gore, who registered just 13 yards on 31 carries. Colin Kaepernick, who has struggled for the majority of the 2013 season, completed 15 of 24 passes for 235 yards -- the first time in five games he's surpassed 200 yards -- with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

10. Arizona Cardinals  (7-4) Last Week: 13

Larry Fitzgerald became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 11,000 receiving yards, after managing 52 receiving yards and two TD’s in the Cardinals’ 40-11 dismantling of the Colts. Bruce Arians beat his former team as the Cardinals extended their winning streak to four games.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (6-5) Last Week: 11

The Eagles no longer lead the NFC East, but winning the division remains a strong possibility. The Eagles enjoyed their bye week and now play two crucial home games against playoff-hopefuls’ Arizona and Detroit in the coming weeks.


12. Indianapolis Colts (7-4) Last Week: 7

The Colts have been outscored 92-13 in the first half of their past four games. They are lucky to play in what is by far the worst division in the league.

13. Detroit Lions (6-5) Last Week: 9

Detroit’s 3-1 start seems like a distant memory and turnovers are a major reason why. Matthew Stafford threw four interceptions in the Lions’ stunning loss to the Bucs. The Lions have now committed three or more turnovers in three of their past four games. 

14. Chicago Bears (6-5) Last Week: 10

The Bears, who rank dead last in the NFL in rushing defense, surrendered 258 yards on the ground in their loss to the Rams.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6) Last Week: 19

Big Ben tossed two TD’s to lead Pittsburgh to their third straight win, setting up a critical Thanksgiving Night contest at Baltimore that is loaded with playoff implications.

16. San Diego Chargers (5-6) Last Week: 22

Just when the Chargers seemed down-and-out in the AFC playoff race, MVP-candidate Philip Rivers steps up and plays one of his best games of his career to lead his club to an upset over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Rivers completed 27 of 31 passes (11-for-13 with 199 yards on third down) for 392 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning strike to Seyi Ajirotutu with 24 seconds remaining.

17. Baltimore Ravens (5-6) Last Week: 20

Jacoby Jones caught four passes for 103 yards, scoring the only TD of the game in the Ravens’ 19-3 win. Justin Tucker, who converted four field goals in the win, has now connected on 22 straight field goals, tying Matt Stover for the second-longest streak in franchise history.

18. St. Louis Rams (5-6) Last Week: 23

The Rams suddenly have an explosive offense, thanks to the development of the previously maligned rushing duo of Benny Cunningham and Zac Stacy, and with the emergence of WR Tavon Austin.  Cunningham and Stacy rushed for a TD score apiece in their win over the Bears, attaining 109 and 87 yards on the ground respectively. Austin caught only two passes for 39 yards, but scored on a 65 yard TD run in the second minute of the contest. Austin has posted four TD’s in the past two games and the Rams have averaged 40 points in these contests. 

19. Green Bay Packers (5-5-1) Last Week: 16

The Packers simply cannot win without Aaron Rodgers under center; they proved that in their tie to the two-win Minnesota Vikings. With Rodgers almost certainly sidelined for the Thanksgiving Day tilt at Detroit, the Packers are likely to slip even further in the NFC playoff race.

20. Miami Dolphins (5-6) Last Week: 15

The Dolphins were outscored 14-0 in the second half and allowed 17 unanswered points in their heartbreaking 20-16 loss to the Panthers. The lack of a solid running game prevented the Dolphins from holding onto the lead as the team rushed for just 52 yards on 17 carries.

21. Tennessee Titans (5-6) Last Week: 26

The Titans, who have lost to the lowly Texans and Jaguars this season, are the current holders of the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoff picture following their nail-biting 23-19 win over the Raiders O.co Coliseum. Ryan Fitzpatrick engineered a 14 play, 80 yard drive capped by a Kendall Wright TD reception with 10 seconds remaining to save the Titans season.

22. New York Jets (5-6) Last Week: 17

Geno Smith increased his league-high turnover total to 22 after throwing two interceptions in a 19-3 loss to the Ravens. Smith completed just 9 of 22 passes for 127 yards as the Jets produced a season-low 220 total yards. Is it Matt Simms time in New York?

23. Cleveland Browns (4-7) Last Week: 18

Josh Gordon tied a team record with 14 receptions (1 TD) and set a franchise record with 237 yards receiving. Gordon’s feat was the lone bright spot on a second consecutive pivotal loss for the sinking Browns, who have been outscored 68-18 in their last six quarters.

24. Buffalo Bills (4-7) Last Week: 25

Rested off their bye week, the Bills will now travel to Toronto for a “home” game against the pitiful Falcons.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-8) Last Week: 28

Greg Schiano may not be fired after all. The Bucs registered their third straight win on Sunday, an impressive victory over the Lions in Detroit. Mike Glennon (who Schiano drafted and lobbied for) threw for 247 yards with two TD’s versus zero interceptions and recorded a 138.4 passer rating.

26. New York Giants (4-7) Last Week: 21

You can officially stick a fork in the G-Men following their home loss to the Cowboys. Looks like safety Terrell Thomas shouldn’t have guaranteed a win for the Cowboys, nor should Jason-Pierre Paul have told reporters before the game, “We’re going to put it on [the Cowboys]," and "There's going to be a lot of blood spilled out there." 

27. Washington Redskins (3-8) Last Week: 27

The Redskins were inefficient on offense against the stout defense of the 49ers, mustering just two field goals in their embarrassing 27-6 loss. Washington recorded a paltry 30 yards in the second half as RG3 threw for a season-low 127 yards…Is Mike Shanahan’s job in jeopardy?

28. Oakland Raiders (4-7) Last Week: 24

The Raiders were 15 seconds away from temporarily holding the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs. Instead, the Raiders let up a TD on third down with 10 seconds remaining in their loss against the Titans. The Raiders’ defense simply could not get off the field on Sunday, surrendering 175 yards on third-down conversions. With upcoming contests at Dallas, at New York Jets, versus Kansas City, at San Diego, and versus Denver, it’s safe to say the Raiders will fail to reach the postseason for the 11th straight season. 

29. Minnesota Vikings (2-8-1) Last Week: 29

Backup running back Toby Gerhart ran for 91 yards on eight carries and Adrian Peterson carried 32 times for 146 yards as the Vikings ran for a season-high 243 yards…It’s been a rough season for the Vikings, but they can at least take pride in tying the Packers, which could come back to haunt Green Bay if they fail to make the playoffs this season.

30. Atlanta Falcons (2-9) Last Week: 31

The Falcons almost pulled off the upset against the Saints, but there are no moral victories for a team that has gone from preseason Super Bowl contenders to partakers in the bid for the No.1 overall draft pick in 2014.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) Last Week: 32

The Jags picked up their second win of the season, both divisional road contests, behind the play of Maurice Jones-Drew, who ran for a season-high 84 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Texans.

32. Houston Texans (2-9) Last Week: 30

Losers of nine consecutive games following a 2-0 start to the season, the Texans are now the worst team in the NFL.