The NFL’s Week 13 slate features two strong primetime matchups, following Cowboys/Saints on Thursday Night. Read on for game picks and predictions.
Buccaneers at Falcons
Tampa Bay looks to follow a strong second-half performance against the Colts last Sunday into this week’s matchup. The Todd Bowles lead defense forced four turnovers against an improving Colts offense. The last time these two teams faced off, Tom Brady threw for five touchdowns in a 48-25 rout in Week 2. The Bucs should roll in this one.
The Pick: Buccaneers
Cardinals at Bears
The Cardinals are rolling right now. They’ve proven they can win without big names Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. The potential noise about Kliff Kingsbury taking a college job seems like nothing more than a smokescreen. The Bears have been injury-plagued as well. Regardless of who lines up under center tomorrow, Arizona should come out on top.
The Pick: Cardinals
Chargers at Bengals
At one point this year, the Chargers looked poised to dethrone the Chiefs and potentially take home the AFC West crown. The Joe Burrow-led Bengals are peaking at the right time. This should be a good four-quarter battle. Cincinnati has a couple of bad losses they’re trying to put behind them, beating the Chargers at home should help them get on the right path to a tough end-of-season schedule.
The Pick: Bengals
Vikings at Lions
The loss of star running back Dalvin Cook will hurt the Vikings offense, but Alexander Mattison has stepped in for a seamless transition when he’s been called upon. Detroit still has yet to win a football game this season. I don’t think it comes this week against an improving Vikings team. They should be able to take care of business.
The Pick: Vikings
Giants at Dolphins
The Giants’ defense came to play last week, as they shut down the red-hot rushing attack of the Eagles. Miami is one of the hottest teams in the league after four straight victories. The defense is finally playing like we expected coming into this year. The offense has been up and down, but they should be enough to beat the Giants with backup Quarterback Mike Glennon expected to start.
The Pick: Dolphins
Eagles at Jets
After a poor performance last week against the Giants, the Eagles will look to get back on track this week. They should be able to establish the ground game early when they head to East Rutherford. The Jets’ were able to beat the Texans last week, but their Quarterback struggles will continue against the Eagles. Philidelphia should be able to bounce back and get the win.
The Pick: Eagles
Colts at Texans
The Colts’ were so close to pulling off an upset over the reigning Super Bowl Champs last week, but couldn’t seal the deal at the end of the game. They still boast one of the league’s better defenses and one of the better rushing attacks in the league, as Johnathan Taylor continues to get better every week. The Texans just lost to the Jets last week, Indianapolis should have no problem in this divisional matchup.
The Pick: Colts
Football Team at Raiders
Both teams are fresh off Week 12 wins. The Football Team has been improving every week. Antonio Gibson is finally turning into the back we thought he’d be this season. Las Vegas has been battling the injury bug and it will roll over into this week. Needing a win to keep pace in the AFC West, I like WFT to pull the upset as they win their fourth straight game.
The Pick: Football Team
Jaguars at Rams
After a win-less November has the Rams spiraling, they have the ability to get back on track this week. Taking on an uninspired Jacksonville team, the slumping Rams get a chance to reverse their fortunes. They’re just too talented to let Jacksonville hang around.
The Pick: Rams
Ravens at Steelers
Baltimore continues to improve as they boast the best record in the AFC. Pittsburgh is the complete opposite as they feature one of the most unenjoyable teams to watch. The AFC North clash presents high stakes for the Steelers. If they want to remain relevant in a possible wild card push, this is a must-win game for them. The Ravens have the advantage here and they should take care of the Steelers.
The Pick: Ravens
49ers at Seahawks
Without Deebo Samuel, the 49ers will have to rely on rookie running back Elijah Mitchell and Brandon Ayiuk to carry the bulk of the offensive load. Russell Wilson and the Seahawks haven’t been the same since Wilson’s return from injury. They’re quickly turning into one of the bottom feeders in the NFC. Despite San Francisco’s setbacks, they should be able to come out on top.
The Pick: 49ers
Broncos at Chiefs
A big divisional matchup between two teams that have bounced back from rocky starts to their season. The Broncos have shown their upset potential, but the Chiefs’ offense is back. Javonte Williams will be a player to watch as he’ll step into a three-down role with Melvin Gordon III out. Kansas City hasn’t lost to Denver since 2015, after winning 11 straight vs their mile-high foes. This game might be closer than people think but the Chiefs should be able to handle their AFC West rivals.
The Pick: Chiefs
Patriots at Bills
Another big divisional matchup with playoff implications. Mac Jones and the Patriots boast the highest point differential in the entire league. Their defense has done a fantastic job shutting down opposing offenses. This is a recipe for a defensive slugfest, as Buffalo also brings one of the league’s better defenses to the table. The Monday night contest should be one to watch in Buffalo. I like the New England defense to get to Josh Allen and force him to make mistakes.
The Pick: Patriots
