It’s lucky Week 13, football freaks! We’re approaching the last few stretches of the season. Some are clinging to their playoff spot, while a handful are fighting hard to enter the playoff picture, which could mean that every single game to be even more hard-hitting and action-packed than previous weeks. Don’t dare missing out on any of these matchups!
Here now are our picks and predictions for Week 13. Read on and see which teams you could bet on!
Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) at Minnesota Vikings (+3.5) – 8:25 PM ET
Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot have been so good this season, Jerry Jones probably included them in his thanksgiving prayer last Thursday. Prescott is averaging 257.7 yards per game and has an remarkable 18-2 TD-INT ratio, while backfield truck, Elliot, is one of the leaders in yards from scrimmage, with 1,502. Against the struggling Vikings, all signs point to them and the entire team capturing another W. The ‘Boys will parade team averages of 28.3 points and 407.6 total yards per game.
The Vikings are the complete opposite of the Cowboys, as they are on a downward spiral in the last six weeks (1-5 SU and ATS). QB Sam Bradford, who’s been heavily criticized in the past for being too erratic and injury prone, is actually their most consistent man on offense. The veteran is having career-highs on completion percentage (71.3), passer rating (98.3), and QB rating (72.9). Their D will have a tall task in stopping Dallas’ potent offensive attack, especially on the ground. Minny’s chances aren’t looking good, especially after seeing them allow 100-plus rushing yards in six straight games.
Writer’s Prediction: The Cowboys continue wrecking the league, 30-20.
Sunday, December 4
Detroit Lions (+5.5) at New Orleans Saints (-5.5) – 1:00 PM ET
How about these Lions? After a dismal 1-3 start, they have won six of their next seven outings. They are now at the top of the NFC North with a 7-4 record and loads of momentum behind them.
Matthew Stafford and company had a great thanksgiving, as they beat the Vikings, 16-13, and knocked them out of the division’s top spot, despite Stafford not having an exactly impressive production (23-for-40 for 232 yards and one TD). His receivers arguably had the better night, with Golden Tate, Anquan Boldin, and Marvin Jones all having 54 or more yards. In facing the Saints’ weak defense, the Lions could have a big night offensively.
The Saints, on the other hand, are coming off a 49-21 win against the Rams. It was yet another offensive explosion for the team, with Drew Brees passing for 310 yards (108 to rookie WR Michael Thomas) and four TDs (two to Thomas), and the run game accumulating 209 yards and two TDs. Brees distributed the ball well, and the wideouts ran with it efficiently, as four had 50 or more receiving yards.
With both teams having unheralded defenses, an offensive shootout is bound to happen.
Writer’s Prediction: The Saints win a high-scoring affair, 41-35.
Sunday, December 4
Los Angeles Rams (+13.5) at New England Patriots (-13.5) – 1:00 PM ET
The Rams didn’t do much this past Sunday, and we’re blown out by the Saints, 49-21. The silver lining, though, is their rookie QB, Jared Goff, is continuing to get some much-needed reps. Week 12 was only Goff’s second start, but he had good numbers (214 yards, three TDs, and one INT). He tossed Kenny Britt, Lance Kendricks, and Tavon Austin, who are key players in the passing game, one TD each.
The team will need another productive night from Goff and his receiving corps, since their run game is pretty much dead all season long (83 yards per game on 3.3 yards per carry).
The Patriots are coming off a win against the Jets, 22-17. They, again, started slow and only gain some steam in the second half. Tom Brady only went 30-for-50 in his throws, but it translated to 286 yards and two TDs. The run game was underwhelming this week, and had a quiet 91 yards on 4.3 yards per carry with no scores.
With the Pats playing in Foxborough for Week 13, we can expect a more effective offense from Brady and the running backs.
Writer’s Prediction: The Patriots win, 28-13.
Sunday, December 4
San Francisco 49ers (+2.5) at Chicago Bears (-2.5) – 1:00 PM ET
The Niners were all Colin Kaepernick in Week 12, as the controversial QB threw for 296 yards and three TDs, while also rushing for 113 yards on 11.3 yards per carry. Through his effort, they almost edged out the Dolphins before losing 31-24.
With Kaep’s dual-threat ability and Carlos Hyde being healthy again, their chances of getting win number two this Sunday are high, especially when you consider how awful the Bears are everywhere.
The Bears are likely to lose star players Jay Cutler (shoulder) and Alshon Jeffrey (suspended) for the remainder of the season, and it’s definitely not looking good for a team who’s 2-9 and ranked 31st in scoring (15.7 points per game).
Matt Barkley is now their man under center, he went 28-for-54 for 316 yards, with three TDs and two INTs in a losing effort versus the Titans on Sunday. Rookie running back Jordan Howard (76.6 yards per game on 5.1 yards per carry) will again have the heavy task of running the ball effectively without a strong O-Line.
It’ll be interesting to see which is worse: the Niners defense (32nd in points allowed) or the Bears offense (31st in points scored)?
Writer’s Prediction: The Niners win, 23-16.
Sunday, December 4
Denver Broncos (-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (+5) – 1:00 PM ET
The Broncos are fresh off an exhausting and heartbreaking 30-27 OT loss to the Chiefs. Trevor Siemian played a hell of a game, throwing 368 yards and three TDs, but couldn’t finish off their division rivals.
Although the team is probably drained, they should be able to get back on track this week. They will be battling a Jaguars team that can’t do anything right.
The Jags… are the Jags. They took their sixth straight loss Sunday and dropped their record to 2-9. In the recent 28-21 defeat to the Bills, Blake Bortles tossed two TDs, but only had 126 yards on a dreadful 4.2 yards per play.
From Blake Bortles, to Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, to TJ Yeldon and Chris Ivory, everyone is having their stats down from last year.
Writer’s Prediction: The Broncos win, 24-10.
Sunday, December 4
Miami Dolphins (+3.5) at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) – 1:00 PM ET
After a good stretch of monsterous games by back Jay Ajayi, he and the Dolphins’ run game have slowed down. Ajayi rushed for a score but only had 45 yards on 2.5 yards per carry. It hasn’t caused problems, though, as Ryan Tannehill is efficient in his throws again. This past week, he passed for 285 yards and three TDs.
The QB will face a big test against a strong Ravens defense that allows the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (224.9), while also not having key receiver DeVante Parker (back).
The Ravens offense, meanwhile, will bring in averages of 334.1 total yards per game (247.7 passing and 87.8 rushing). Joe Flacco must have a big game in passing the ball, and receivers Mike Wallace (72 yards per game) and Steve Smith (59.5 yards per game), will have to be better, because their weak ground game isn’t scaring anyone (966 yards this season, 28th in the league).
Writer’s Prediction: The Ravens win, 24-21.
Sunday, December 4
Philadelphia Eagles (TBA) at Cincinnati Bengals (TBA) – 1:00 PM ET
The Eagles just lost to the Packers, 27-13, in front of their home crowd. It was a forgettable performance for everyone, as Carson Wentz once again failed to throw a TD for the third time in four weeks.
Their up and down run game was on the down this week. You know it’s bad when the leading rusher only had 37 yards, and behind him is your QB, with 33.
The Bengals, on the other hand, aren’t any better. They are free-falling in the AFC North, and has dropped to 3-7-1 in the season. It’s also not looking good since their second-team All-Pro receiver AJ Green is out indefinitely, especially since all his talent couldn’t raise Cincy into establishing a winning record.
The Eagles are fighting for more and will be hungrier for the game, and will eventually get that W in the bag.
Writer’s Prediction: The Eagles win, 32-24.
Sunday, December 4
Kansas City Chiefs (+4) at Atlanta Falcons (-4) – 1:00 PM ET
The 30-27 OT win over the Broncos took a lot out of the Chiefs, but it can definitely add to their momentum for the following weeks.
Alex Smith didn’t have a great day matching up against the aggressive Broncos defense, going 26-for-44 for 220 yards and one TD, but he was clutch towards the end of regulation, as he drove the team to a TD and was able to complete the pass for a two-point conversion that tied the game.
The Falcons, as usual, had a big night in scoring, as they piled up 39 points in their win against the Cardinals. Matt Ryan had another game with a 70-plus percent completion rate, his fourth this season.
The big surprise of the game was receiver Taylor Gabriel, who came out of nowhere to catch four passes for 75 yards and two TDs.
Against the Chiefs, the league-leader in interceptions, Gabriel may again get the chance, with Julio Jones projected to attract loads of defenders.
Writer’s Prediction: The Chiefs win, 28-21.
Sunday, December 4
Houston Texans (TBA) at Green Bay Packers (TBA) – 1:00 PM ET
The Texans are coming off an ugly performance against the Chargers, as they lost 21-13, with $72 million dollar QB Brock Osweiler throwing zero touchdowns and three picks. It was an equally awful game for their main back Lamar Miller, who’s also a prized off-season pick-up, as he only rushed for 57 yards on three yards per carry.
Their defense also failed to contain the Chargers offense. The unit allowed Phillip Rivers to complete 22 of his 30 passes for 242 yards and three TDs, and was only able to sack him once.
The Packers, meanwhile, finally ended their four-game streak, beating the Eagles 27-13. Aaron Rodgers had the old A-Rod vibe going, as he threw for 313 yards and two TDs. In his long list of receivers, he had Davante Adams as his favourite target for the evening, connecting with the third-year man for 113 yards and a pair of scores.
Rodgers and company will have to continue winning to climb up the standings. They are now 5-6, third in the NFC North.
Considering that the Texans struggled under the Chargers’ high-powered offense, their chances of bouncing back this week versus the Packers, who has a similar style in offense, aren’t looking good.
Writer’s Prediction: The Packers win, 30-20.
Sunday, December 4
Buffalo Bills (+3) at Oakland Raiders (-3) – 4:05 PM ET
Rex Ryan and his men did what they were supposed to do against the lowly Jaguars, as they won 28-21 despite Tyrod Taylor throwing for an unappealing 166 yards and one TD. The Bills once again had two-time All-Pro LeSean McCoy (81.9 yards per game, seven TDs this season) as their number one source of offense, and also had receiver Sammy Watkins back.
Against the imposing Raiders offense, though, the offense and defense will have to step up big time. The Silver and Black are bringing averages of 27.9 points and 390.9 yards per game (both top five in the NFL), and it is sure to cause headaches in the entire Bills team.
Derek Carr will have to be extra elusive against the Bills’ pass rush that has 33 sacks this season (first in the NFL), but he should be helped by his top-notch offensive line.
Writer’s Prediction: The Raiders win, 31-20.
Sunday, December 4
New York Giants (+5.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5.5) – 4:25 PM ET
After that 27-13 win over the Browns Sunday, the Giants have extended their winning streak to six. Although the passing yards weren’t there (194 yards), the TDs were present all day, as Eli Manning threw three. Odell Beckham Jr had a nice stat line once again, catching six passes for 96 yards and a pair of TD grabs. It was a great counter to the less-impactful run game – Rashad Jennings and Paul Perkins combined for 84 yards on 3.5 yards per carry.
Battling teams like the Bears and the Browns are now over. The G-Men will now have a tough schedule from here on out, starting with the Steelers this coming week.
The Steelers, who will be playing comfortable at home, pose a big threat to any team, as they are well-equipped in scoring. Ben Roethlisberger (274.5 passing yards per game, 23-7 TD-INT), Le’Veon Bell (142 total yards per game), and Antonio Brown (90.7 yards per game, 10 TDs) can all be offensive juggernauts. They should have an interesting clash with the Giants defense that has at least one pick in six of their last seven games.
Writer’s Prediction: The Steelers win, 30-24.
Sunday, December 4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3.5) at San Diego Chargers (-3.5) – 4:25 PM ET
The Bucs had a big win Sunday. The defense intercepted Russell Wilson twice and limited him to 151 yards passing, en route to beating the Seahawks, 14-5.
Jameis Winston had a great night throwing the ball, going 21-for-28 for 220 yards and two TDs, both of which were to Mike Evans, who also had 104 receiving yards. Adding to that is another decent performance from Doug Martin, who’s in his third game back, as he rushed for 87 yards.
They should have an entertaining battle with the Chargers, who are one of the most consistent offensive teams in the last decade or so. Philip Rivers and company are coming off a 21-13 win over the Texans, where Rivers had another three-TD passing game, and San Diego having a receiver with 100-plus yards in a game.
We should see back-and-forth passing offense. The Bucs could opt to throw more, with the Chargers giving up the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game this season (88.6).
Writer’s Prediction: The Chargers win, 35-28.
Sunday, December 4
Washington Redskins (+2.5) at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) – 4:25 PM ET
Kirk Cousins and company fell short of ending the Cowboys’ streak last Thursday, but the QB undoubtedly gained more fans with his past couple of performances. He now has 824 yards and six TDs with zero picks in his last two games.
The Redskins’ receiving corps deserves credit too, especially Jordan Reed, who hauled in 10 catches for 95 yards and two TDs. Reed, Jamison Crowder, Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson will cause a long list of problems against the struggling Cardinals defense.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, are dwindling. In their past six outings, they are giving up an average of 378.6 yards per game. Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, and David Johnson’s offense are still there, particularly Johnson, who has jumped into first place in yards from scrimmage, with 1,534.
Expect this game to feature a great amount of offense.
Writer’s Prediction: The Redskins win a nail-biter, 32-28.
Sunday, December 4
Carolina Panthers (+7) at Seattle Seahawks (-7) – 8:30 PM ET
The Panthers’ playoff chances took a huge blow with that recent loss to the Raiders, as they dropped to a mediocre 4-7 record.
Cam Newton couldn’t get it going and only passed 14-for-29 for 246 yards, although he did threw two TDs. Their defense simply couldn’t stop Derek Carr, allowing him to air it out for 315 yards and two TDs. Oakland Receiver Michael Crabtree also burned the secondary for 110 yards.
Pete Carroll’s team also got punished this past week. Their elite defense had an off-night and gave up 104 yards and two TDs to Mike Evans, en route to getting beaten by the surging Buccaneers, 14-5.
Lacking a reliable back is also taking a toll on the ‘Hawks, and it was quite evident in their recent defeat. You know your ground game is bad when your leading rusher is your QB (Russell Wilson led the run attack with 80 yards).
Defensively, the Seahawks may have the edge over the Panthers, but their stagnant offense could again make them pay.
Writer’s Prediction: The Panthers win, 23-20.
Monday, December 5
Indianapolis Colts (TBA) at New York Jets (TBA) – 8:30 PM ET
The Colts got pounded on Thanksgiving day by the Steelers, 28-7. It was expected since they were missing Andrew Luck (concussion). Now that they’ll have their franchise QB back, they should be in a good position to get a win.
Expect Luck to be aggressive in passing the ball. He is averaging 282.7 yards this season, and has a decent 19-8 TD-INT ratio. With a receiving corps that has TY Hilton (85.6 yards per game), he should be able to get his rhythm back quickly. The team’s man on the backfield, Frank Gore, will also provide help (79.4 total yards per game).
The Jets took another L on Sunday, as they fell short on upsetting bitter AFC East rival New England Patriots. Ryan Fitzpatrick was back being the man under center, and he had one of his finest games this season, completing 22 of 32 passes for 286 yards and two TDs. Fitz, as expected, eyed Quincy Enuwa and Brandon Marshall as his key targets for the contest, connecting with the two 11 times for 176 yards and one TD each.
The run game was a non-factor once again, as Bilal Powell and Matt Forte only had a combined 66 yards on 3.1 yards per carry.
Luck and company simply have more firepower on offense, and with the Jets owning an average pass defense (16th in passing yards allowed), the Colts should be able to edge them out in the end.
With the Jets being a great run-stopping squad, Gore and his ground attack could be ineffective. We may see him be more of a pass-catching back for the game.
