NFL Week 13 Preview, Betting Tips, Fantasy Tips, and More
By the time the first games kick off on Sunday, the NFL’s week 13 schedule will already be well underway. With three games on Thursday (CHI/DET, NYG/DAL, MIA/GB) and a game on Black Friday (LV/KC), eight teams will have already played their games.
The playoff picture is coming a bit more into focus, too. While there weren’t any teams mathematically eliminated when week 12 came to a close, there are some teams that can safely be ruled out. Others are fighting for a chance to play in the postseason, and the opportunity to host one or more playoff games at home. Here’s a look at your Sunday and Monday NFL Week 13 preview.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) @ Atlanta Falcons (6-5)
1 PM ET | CBS | Chargers -1.5
Key Chargers Storyline
The Chargers come into this game fresh off a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but their playoff hopes are still very much alive, as they’re the sixth seed. A win here would put the Chargers in a prime position to get to 10 wins on the season.
Key Falcons Storyline
Kirk Cousins hasn’t thrown a TD in his last two games, the first time that’s ever happened in his career. If the Falcons hope to win, he needs to find the endzone.
Key Stat
The Falcons are averaging 363 yards a game and will face a defense allowing 323 yards per game.
Bold Prediction
Kirk Cousins will throw two touchdown passes, breaking his streak of two games without one.
Fantasy Tip
Los Angeles is giving up 119 yards per game on the ground making Bijan Robinson a potential stud this week.
Betting Tip
The under has hit for both teams seven times this year. At 47.5, this looks like it could be number eight.
Final Prediction
Chargers 24, Falcons 23
Indianapolis Colts (5-7) @ New England Patriots (3-9)
1 PM ET | CBS | Colts -3
Key Colts Storyline
A loss here all but eliminates the Colts from postseason play. Richardson has looked good since taking back the starting job and has Indianapolis in the mix.
Key Patriots Storyline
The Patriots’ struggles have been unending this season leaving many to wonder how many of the coaches will return in 2025. This game could be a must-win if Jerod Mayo hopes to get a second season.
Key Stat
The Pats are last in the league with 167 passing yards per game. The Colts defense isn’t a world-beater, but it should be able to control the Patriots' struggling aerial attack.
Bold Prediction
This one will be close going into the fourth before Anthony Richardson makes a big play that puts the Colts in front for good.
Fantasy Tip
Jonathan Taylor should have a solid day against a Patriots’ defense giving up the 12th most points to opposing backs.
Betting Tip
The O/U is 42.5. With how questionable both teams are on offense, the under seems like a solid bet.
Final Prediction
Colts 20, Patriots 13
Tennessee Titans (3-8) @ Washington Commanders (7-5)
1 PM ET | CBS | Commanders -5.5
Key Titans Storyline
The Titans probably aren’t making the playoffs, but they’re coming off an upset of the Houston Texans. A win this week could build a lot of momentum for next season.
Key Commanders Storyline
Meanwhile, the Commanders are coming off an upset loss to the Cowboys. The NFC East is getting away from them, and they need a win here.
Key Stat
Terry McClaurin has five or fewer receptions in every Washington loss this season except for one.
Bold Prediction
Jayden Daniels ends the day with three touchdowns, after passing for two and rushing for one.
Fantasy Tip
For fantasy owners in deeper leagues, Jeremy McNichols could be poised for a lot of volume if Brian Robinson can’t go due to an ankle injury.
Betting Tip
Tennessee is 0-4 against the spread this season when facing NFC teams. That trend is likely to continue this week.
Final Prediction
Commanders 27, Titans 17
Seattle Seahawks (6-5) @ New York Jets (3-8)
1 PM ET | Fox | Seahawks -2.5
Key Seahawks Storyline
Seattle’s rollercoaster season continues. They’re currently atop the NFC West and a win against New York gives them a 52% chance to make the playoffs in Mike Macdonald’s first season as head coach.
Key Jets Storyline
Rumors are swirling that the Jets have discussed releasing Aaron Rodgers. How will the team respond to more distractions?
Key Stat
Davante Adams has only tallied more than 6 catches once since joining the Jets and has yet to put up 100 yards in a game.
Bold Prediction
Kenneth Walker will have one of his best games of the season against a Jets defense that’s great against the pass but struggles against the run.
Fantasy Tip
Don’t start Geno Smith in this one. The Jets’ defense is giving up the second-fewest passing yards per game in the league.
Betting Tip
The Jets have yet to cover the spread as an underdog this season. That trend isn’t going to change this weekend.
Final Prediction
Seahawks 23, Jets 17
Houston Texans (7-5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
1 PM ET | Fox | Texans -5
Key Texans Storyline
While CJ Stroud’s sophomore slump has received a lot of attention, Joe Mixon’s resurgence has put him near the top of every major rushing category.
Key Jaguars Storyline
Once again, the biggest story for the Jags involves who’s going to be starting at QB. If Trevor Lawrence is sidelined again, Mac Jones will make another start.
Key Stat
Jacksonville is giving up 135 yards per game on the ground, the seventh most in the league this season.
Bold Prediction
Joe Mixon needs three rushing TDs to tie his career-high (13). He’ll get two of them this week against a paltry Jags rush defense.
Fantasy Tip
If Tank Bigsby is cleared to play (which is looking probably), he’s a solid option against a Texans defense giving up 110 yards per game on the ground. Jacksonville will try to control the clock early, and Bigsby should get plenty of volume.
Betting Tip
Houston has not covered the spread when facing the AFC South this season.
Final Prediction
Texans 30, Jaguars 16
Arizona Cardinals (6-5) @ Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
1 PM ET | Fox | Vikings -3.5
Key Cardinals Storyline
A win moves the Cardinals’ playoff probability to 68% while a loss drops it to 43%.
Key Vikings Storyline
The Vikings are only one game behind Detroit coming into Week 13. A win keeps them in the running for the NFC North.
Key Stat
James Conner has recorded fewer than 10 carries in three of Arizona’s losses this season.
Bold Prediction
The Vikings are giving up more than 240 passing yards per game. Marvin Harrison Jr. will take the top of the Vikings’ defense twice, ending the game with 80 yards and one TD.
Fantasy Tip
The Vikings have only allowed opposing QBs to rush for 95 yards on the season. Murray will need to bear them with his arm if the Cardinals are going to win this one.
Betting Tip
Minnesota is 6-2 against the spread this season when favored to win.
Final Prediction
Vikings 26, Cardinals 21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) @ Carolina Panthers (3-8)
4:05 P ET | Fox | Buccaneers -6
Key Buccaneers Storyline
This is a huge game for Tampa. A win ups their chances of making the postseason to 61%. A loss drops them to 30%.
Key Panthers Storyline
Carolina has shown improvement in recent weeks. This season isn’t going to end in the playoffs, but if Carolina continues keeping games as close as it did last week, Bryce Young may get another season.
Key Stat
Bryce Young passed for more than 200 yards for the second time this season last week. He’ll face off with a Bucs passing defense allowing 277 yards per game through the air.
Fantasy Tip
Carolina is giving up the most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Cade Otton should have a huge day for Tampa.
Betting Tip
These two teams have hit the over 15 times this season.
Final Prediction
Buccaneers 27, Panthers 19
Los Angeles Rams (5-6) @ New Orleans Saints (4-7)
4:05 PM ET | Fox | Rams -3
Key Rams Storyline
The Rams are in a must-win game while facing a huge rest disadvantage. The Saints are coming off a bye while the Rams played on Sunday night in Week 12.
Key Saints Storyline
The Saints are 2-0 since firing Dennis Allen.
Key Stat
Five of the Rams’ six losses this season have come against NFC opponents.
Bold Prediction
Matt Stafford throws a late pick against a Saints defense that has 12 interceptions on the season to set up the Saints to win.
Fantasy Tip
The Rams have given up nearly 1300 rushing yards on the season, making it a good week for Alvin Kamara fantasy owners.
Betting Tip
The over in this game is 48.5, jumping two points since it opened. Oddsmakers probably know something that the rest of us don’t yet. Take the over.
Final Prediction
Saints 27, Rams 23
Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
4:25 PM ET | Fox | Ravens -2.5
Key Eagles Storyline
If Davante Smith can make it back from injury this week, the Eagles should be able to take the top off a shaky Ravens passing defense.
Key Ravens Storyline
Derrick Henry is coming off just his second game without a rushing touchdown. Expect him to get plenty of touches this week as Baltimore tries to keep the Eagles off the field.
Key Stat
Lamar Jackson is 23-3 in his career against the NFC.
Bold Prediction
In a game with the league’s top two running backs (Henry and Saquon Barkley), it’s the passing attacks that make the difference in this one.
Fantasy Tip
The Eagles have not given up a touchdown to a tight end this season, which makes Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely questionable options.
Betting Tip
Philadelphia is 2-0 against the spread this season when they come into the game as road underdogs.
Final Prediction
Eagles 31, Ravens 27
San Francisco 49ers (5-6) @ Buffalo Bills (9-2)
8:20 PM ET | NBC/Peacock | Bills -7
Key 49ers Storyline
The 49ers were without Brock Purdy last week in a loss to Green Bay. Their playoff hopes are dwindling, and another game without Purdy could be the final nail in the coffin.
Key Bills Storyline
The Bills are trying to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs, as cold weather games in Buffalo are a huge advantage.
Key Stat
The Bills haven’t lost since acquiring Amari Cooper from the Browns ahead of Week 7.
Bold Prediction
Speaking of Cooper, he’ll more than double his reception count from last week, ending the day with five catches, 60 yards, and a touchdown.
Fantasy Tip
The Bills are 30th in the league when it comes to giving up points to opposing running backs. Christian McCaffery and Jordan Mason should both get plenty of opportunities.
Betting Tip
The O/U of 45.5 seems a bit low on the surface, but if Purdy can’t go, San Fran will likely struggle to score. Take the under.
Final Prediction
Bills 27, 49ers 17
Cleveland Browns (3-8) @ Denver Broncos (7-5)
Monday, 8:15 PM ET | ESPN | Broncos -5.5
Key Browns Storyline
Jameis Winston is a free agent after this season but may be the QB of the future for the Browns, at least in the short term. Another upset win could improve his odds of staying in Cleveland in 2025.
Key Broncos Storyline
Bo Nix is right in the mix of the Rookie of the Year conversation. A big showing against Myles Garrett and company could be a great resume builder.
Key Stat
Denver is giving up less than 100 yards per game on the ground and may force the Browns to be one-dimensional.
Bold Prediction
Courtland Sutton will put up numbers similar to last week’s when he tallied eight catches for 97 yards and two scores.
Fantasy Tip
The Browns have only forced one interception this season and have given up 15 passing touchdowns. Bo Nix Should have a field day.
Betting Tip
Denver is 5-0 against the spread as favorites this season.
Final Prediction
Broncos 30, Browns 20