NFL Week Thirteen Predictions
Arguably the best game in the one o’clock window this Sunday as two 8-3 teams clash in Nashville when the Browns take on the Titans. This game will have huge AFC playoff ramifications, as the Titans control their destiny to win the AFC south after defeating the Colts last week.
Article by Dave Nguyen, AKSM Sports
News and Notes
Dupree Tears ACL: In the Steelers 19-14 win against the Ravens on Wednesday, linebacker Bud Dupree injured his left knee in the second half. It was reported on Thursday that the star linebacker tore his ACL and will be out for the rest of the season. Dupree was playing on the one-year franchise tag this year, becoming a stalwart on the Steelers defense with 26 tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles this year. He will be a free-agent at the end of the season, as he was a major contributor to Pittsburgh’s pass rush. With he injury, he joins Devon Bush as the second starting linebacker to be sidelined for the season, and will be replaced by rookie Alex Highsmith who was drafted in the third round of this year’s draft.
Josh Gordon Comeback Again: After serving his sixth suspension over his career, receiver Josh Gordon is eligible to return to the field with the Seahawks this season. On Friday he will begin COVID testing and if he tests negative he can join the Seahawks on December 9th. Gordon is allowed to attend team and individual meetings with the Seahawks coaching staff, participate in individual practice workouts, but will not be able to practice, attend games, or travel with the team until Monday December 21st, after Week 15. Gordon will be eligible to play in the team’s final two regular season games and the postseason, providing another weapon for Russel Wilson and the Seahawks offense.
Lamar Questionable Return: After the Ravens loss to the Steelers, the main question surrounding the team is if Lamar Jackson will be playing their next game against the Cowboys. Head Coach John Harbaugh did not give a yes or no answer, but stated “When the doctors clear them (players on the COVID-19 list) for practice, that’s when we’ll have them”. Jackson’s return to the Ravens is important, as they still have a chance to make the playoffs with five weeks remaining in the season. The Ravens, if Jackson is cleared to play, have a good chance to win-out their remaining five games to sneak in the playoffs as a Wildcard team. With their remaining games against the Cowboys, Bengals, both New York teams, the Jaguars, and the Browns, the Ravens can be playoff eligible with an 11-5 record.
Recoveries for Burrow & Barkley: Earlier this season Saquan Barley tore his ACL. On Thursday it was reported that Barkley is back in New Jersey and rehabbing in the Giants’ facility. In the last month he was in Los Angeles after getting surgery, and is taking it one-day at a time, not knowing the timetable on when he will be healthy enough to return to the field. Similarly, Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow is starting his recovery process after tearing his ACL against the Washington Football team two weeks ago. It was reported that he underwent surgery on his torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. He hopes he will be able to return healthy for next season as well, finishing his rookie year with 2,688 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and completing 65.3% of his passes.
49ers Playing Games in Arizona: Last week it was ruled in Santa Clara County that no pro or college sports teams are able to have games or practices in the county that include direct contact for three weeks. The 49ers were scheduled to have two home games played in that time frame, on December 7th and 13th against the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Football team. After reaching out and communicating with the NFL to approve it, the Arizona Cardinals agreed to have the 49ers host those two games at their home, State Farm Stadium. There won’t be scheduling conflicts as the 49ers game against the Bills is on Monday the 7th, not Sunday the 6th, and on the 13th the Cardinals are on the road facing the Giants.
Fuller Suspended: Earlier this week it was announced that Texans receiver Will Fuller is suspended six games after violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy. He posted on his Instagram page that he “sought treatment from a medical professional who prescribed (him) medication that he believed to be permitted under the NFL’s drug policy”. Fuller will be out the rest of the season and will miss the first game of next season, as there are questions on whether he will be in Houston after this year.
Week 13 Predictions
Sunday at 1 pm
Saints (9-2) at Falcons (4-7): The Falcons are coming off an impressive win at home against the Raiders, dropping 43 points while only allowing six. The Falcons had a balanced attack with 179 yards through the air and 125 yards on the ground and three total touchdowns. While Matt Ryan was able to get things rolling offensively last week, they will be playing against Taysom Hill at quarterback for the second time in three weeks. The last time both teams met Hill completed 18 of 23 passes for 233 yards and had two rushing touchdowns. With having more film on Hill, that should benefit the Falcons. But it might not be enough as the Saints ground attack is going to be tough to stop, with an all-versatile back in Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray who ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns in Denver last week. Prediction: Saints 27-24.
Lions (4-7) at Bears (5-6): The Bears (sadly) have a chance to have a great start to the season only to have it wasted and not make the playoffs. They started 5-1 and have not won a game since October 18th, losing five straight. The Lions are experiencing life without former Head Coach Matt Patricia, who was fired after their Thanksgiving loss to the Texans. With Mitch Trubisky making another start, he has a chance to defeat the Lions for the second time this season, which would be great for a Bears defense that has literally put the team on their backs this year. Prediction: Bears 28-24.
Browns (8-3) at Titans (8-3): Arguably the best game in the one o’clock window this Sunday as two 8-3 teams clash in Nashville when the Browns take on the Titans. This game will have huge AFC playoff ramifications, as the Titans control their destiny to win the AFC south after defeating the Colts last week. Both the Titans and Browns rely on their running game to establish their offense, both averaging over 158 yards a game. Statistically, the Browns are first with 161.1 yards per game thanks to the dynamic duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, while the Titans are second with 158.2 yards a game large in part to Derrick Henry. The key here will be which defense can stop the opposing rushing attack. With the Titans at home and gaining momentum after impressive wins against the Colts and Ravens, give the edge to the Titans. Prediction: Titans 31-27.
Bengals (2-8-1) at Dolphins (7-4): The Dolphins have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, are in contention for the AFC East title since 2008, and their first playoff win since 2000. This game against the Bengals favors them, despite a valiant effort from Branden Allen last week against the Giants. This will most likely be the last “cake-walk” game the Dolphins will have, as their final four games are against the Chiefs, Patriots, Raiders, and Bills which will determine if they make the playoffs this year. Prediction: Dolphins 31-10.
Jaguars (1-10) at Vikings (5-6): After starting the year 1-5, the Vikings have an outside chance to sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card team. winning four of their last six games dating back to November 1st. In his last five games, Dalvin Cook has rushed for 641 yards and six touchdowns, helping lead the charge to the Vikings’ winning ways. While Mike Glennon threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns in the Jags’ two-point loss to the Browns, the defense won’t have enough to stop Cook or Justin Jefferson. Prediction: Vikings 31-20.
Raiders (6-5) at Jets (0-11): The Raiders suffered a terrible loss to the Falcons last week by a score of 43-6. Derek Carr threw a pick six and was pulled for Nathan Peterman in the second half and only had 40 rushing yards. If there’s any good news for John Gruden’s bunch, they are playing the Jets this week. Prediction: Raiders 38-10.
Colts (7-4) at Texans (4-7): After impressive wins at the Titans and home against the Packers, the Colts allowed Derrick Henry to rush for 178 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in their rematch with Tennessee last week. The Colts rushing attack was held in check, only accumulating 57 yards on the ground, averaging 2.7 yards a carry. Deshaun Watson has led the Texans to back-to-back wins, including a four touchdown pass performance against the Lions on Thanksgiving. While Watson will put up an impressive performance, the Colts defense will keep him in check and start their stretch run to the playoffs. Prediction: Colts- 27-24.
4:05 PM
Rams (7-4) at Cardinals (6-5): An NFC West Divisional showdown finds the Rams traveling south to face the Cardinals. The Rams have a complete team, a stellar offense and a top five defense led by Aaron Donald. Unfortunately, they lost on a last second field goal at home to the 49ers, dropping their record to 7-4. The Cardinals are also coming off a loss at the last second, as Nick Folk made a 50-yard field goal as time expired to give the Patriots a 20-17 win over the Cardinals. In seven of their 11 games the Cardinals have scored over 30 points, including five of their six wins. In their last two games, the Cardinals have failed to score over 30 points, resulting in back-to-back losses. While Kyler Murray is a dual threat with plenty of weapons around him, the Rams defense is a different animal to tame, especially Donald on the defensive front. Prediction: Cardinals 31-28.
Giants (4-7) at Seahawks (8-3): The Giants are most likely not going to have Daniel Jones at quarterback this Sunday against the Seahawks, so that leaves Colt McCoy as this week’s starter. In a weak NFC East, the Giants still have a chance to win the division if they were to lose. The Seahawks can’t afford to lose as they are fighting for the top seed in the NFC as well as the NFC West Division crown. Simply put, Russ is going to cook a nice meal at home against the G-Men. Prediction: Seahawks 31-14.
4:25 PM
Eagles (3-7-1) at Packers (8-3): Despite a valiant defensive effort against the Seahawks Monday Night, the Eagles offense is a complete mess. Whether it’s the poor play of Carson Wentz, the stubbornness of Doug Pederson to not give up play-calling, or the poor roster construction by Howie Roseman, the Eagles are on a downward spiral. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, on the other hand, are playing some of their best football at the right time for a playoff push. They not only have their eye on the NFC North crown, but they are after the top spot in the NFC. If the Saints were to lose one game and the Packers win out, the Packers have the head-to-head win against the Saints, as they defeated them in New Orleans earlier this season. Rodgers has thrown for 3,100 yards and leads the league in touchdown passes with 33. Look for the Packers to get the lead early and run the ball a majority of the second half. Prediction: Packers 28-14.
Patriots (5-6) at Chargers (3-8): The Patriots aren’t giving up without a fight, as they pulled a last second win at home against the Cardinals on the leg of Nick Folk. They still believe they have an outside chance at the postseason, and everyone knows that Belichick is not going to let his team give up on the season. The Chargers continue to play hard on the back of Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, who earned Offensive Rookie of the Month for November. This game will be close, but Cam Newton and the Patriots will prevail. Prediction: Patriots 24-21.
Sunday Night
Broncos (4-7) at Chiefs (10-1): With a whirlwind situation that happened last Sunday at quarterback, Drew Lock is expected to start for the Broncos Sunday Night as they take on the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes leads arguably the best offense in the NFL and is eyeing for the top spot in the AFC playoff race. He is first in passing yards, quarterback rating, third in touchdown passes, and has a chance to win his second MVP in three years. Lock in the Chiefs for the win. Prediction: Chiefs 31-14.
Monday at 5 pm
Washington (4-7) at Steelers (11-0): The Washington Football team had a very impressive win on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys, led by Antonio Gibson’s three touchdowns. The Steelers are coming off a five point win against the Ravens to remain the only undefeated team this season. The loss of Bud Dupree will hurt the Steelers in the post season, but they will be able to get past Washington with a win. The key to watch here is the continued connections Ben Rothlisberger has developed with a young receiving core, led by Chase Claypool, who has 45 receptions for 611 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie campaign. Prediction: Steelers 23-17.
8:15 pm
Bills (8-3) at 49ers (5-6): A Monday night game that serves as a home game for the 49ers located in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bills return to Phoenix where they witnessed DeAndre Hopkins catch a Hail-Mary touchdown to give them their third loss of the season a few weeks ago. The 49ers defeated the Rams on a 42-yard field goal at the end of the fourth quarter made by Robbie Gould to give it their fifth win of the season. The 49ers are a scrappy team, despite the long list of injuries they have had this season. Buffalo will have its hands full, but Josh Allen is determined not to lose twice in Arizona this season. Prediction: Bills 31-27.
Tuesday at 8:05 pm
Cowboys (3-8) at Ravens (6-5): Despite losing the season series to the Steelers, the Ravens still have a chance to make the playoffs this year, if they are able to run the table and win their last five games of the season. A big concern is if Lamar Jackson will be able to play and test negative this week for COVID. Assuming Jackson can play this Sunday, it gives the Ravens an opportunity to start their playoff push against one for the worst defenses in the NFL. Prediction: Ravens 31-17.