Three NFL experts from the Prime Time Sports Talk staff came together to share their picks for Week 13.
These three writers will continue to make their picks for the entire season, earning two points for any correct win-loss outcome and an additional three points for correctly predicting the exact score. (Failure to accurately predict a tie will be treated as a loss.) A cumulative points total and record will be listed at the bottom of every article. An archive of all 17 regular-season and four playoff editions can be found here.
Mike Fanelli, Joe Heller, and Andersen Pickard contributed to this article.
Atlanta Saints vs. New Orleans Falcons
Mike Fanelli: Saints 27, Falcons 17
These two teams played two weeks ago with the Saints winning 24-9 in Taysom Hill‘s first career start at quarterback. The Saints are rolling, so expect another easy win this week.
Joe Heller: Falcons 24, Saints 20
The Falcons have been a different team since firing head coach Dan Quinn. Their offense looked solid against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12 while the defense was dominant, too. The Saints will lose the No. 1 spot in the NFC with the loss.
Andersen Pickard: Falcons 24, Saints 21
It wouldn’t be a complete season without the Falcons at least splitting the series at one apiece. In divisional games like these, head-to-head records and stats should be thrown out the window. Ultimately, it boils down to this: the Saints do not have a passing touchdown over the past two weeks while the Falcons’ defense was incredible against the Raiders. Don’t be surprised to see the Saints lose their top spot in the NFC on Sunday.
Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans
Mike: Titans 30, Browns 24
Both teams stand with an 8-3 record but the Titans have the momentum coming off a critical win over the Colts last week. Expect this game to be close as it could go either way.
Joe: Titans 34, Browns 24
It’s December, which means it’s also Derrick Henry‘s time to shine. The reigning NFL rushing title winner will look to add to his current lead in his attempt at back-to-back rushing titles. Baker Mayfield will be under pressure all day from Jeffrey Simmons and co.
Andersen: Titans 31, Browns 21
At 8-3, the Browns are a solid team and have racked up legitimate wins. Still, they’re no match for the Titans. Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb will exchange blows but ultimately the reigning NFL rushing title winner (and candidate for back-to-back honors) and his team will come out ahead.
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears
Mike: Lions 27, Bears 20
Last week, both teams were embarrassed on national television. Someone has to win this game but the loser may be the real winner with an improved draft position. With a change at head coach, expect the Lions to come out energized.
Joe: Lions 27, Bears 20
The post-Matt Patricia era begins for the Lions. There is no better way to begin a new regime than with a win over a division rival. The Bears will continue to struggle to score points.
Andersen: Bears 23, Lions 17
The Lions are an enticing pick here, but it’s hard to imagine them winning without Kenny Golladay, D’Andre Swift, and Marvin Hall. Detroit is on the fringe of being a force to be reckoned with, but it’s hard to not pick against them until they are healthy again. Despite a lack of confidence, I will take the Bears here.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins
Mike: Dolphins 24, Bengals 10
Without Joe Burrow last week, the Bengals almost pulled off an upset over the Giants. However, whether Tua Tagovailoa or Ryan Fitzpatrick start for the Dolphins, they will have no trouble winning by double-digits.
Joe: Dolphins 27, Bengals 17
Miami will win and remain on the Bills’ coattails in the AFC East. Meanwhile, the Bengals will struggle against the Dolphins’ defense.
Andersen: Dolphins 20, Bengals 10
When the schedule first came out, everyone circled this game as it was supposed to pick No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow against fellow first-round quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Instead, Ryan Finley will start for the Bengals with Burrow (ACL) done for the year. On the other side of the field, Tagovailoa (thumb) is dealing with a thumb injury of his own, though he should play and lead his team to victory in a fairly easy matchup.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings
Mike: Vikings 27, Jaguars 20
This was supposed to be the Yannick Ngakoue revenge game, but the Vikings traded him away less than two months after acquiring him from the Jaguars. Even without him, the Vikings should win by a touchdown or more.
Joe: Vikings 27, Jaguars 17
The Vikings will continue their balanced offensive success. Meanwhile, although the Jaguars’ defense has shown flashes of promise, Minnesota is too tough of a task this week.
Andersen: Vikings 27, Jaguars 17
Mike Glennon and the Jaguars looked impressive last week, nearly orchestrating an upset win over the Browns. It’s tough to predict another big game from the Jaguars’ offense this week, and even if they do excel, the Vikings have a similarly favorable matchup against a weak Jaguars defense. With Adam Thielen back, look for Kirk Cousins to explode as the Vikings win by at least two scores.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
Mike: Colts 34, Texans 23
What is going on in Houston? Both Will Fuller and Brandon Roby were suspended for the rest of the season after violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy. Meanwhile, the Colts are coming off an ugly loss and will bounce back this week.
Joe: Colts 28, Texans 24
The Colts get a much-needed win to keep themselves in contention in the AFC South. The Texans will be without Deshaun Watson‘s go-to target, Will Fuller, who was suspended for the remainder of the season.
Andersen: Colts 27, Texans 14
In case the losing record wasn’t enough of a rude awakening, the Texans saw both Will Fuller and Bradley Roby get dealt season-ending suspensions this past week. David Johnson will return, but it’s still hard to imagine a scenario where the Texans finish within double-digits.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New York Jets
Mike: Raiders 31, Jets 20
The Raiders were embarrassed last week against the Falcons while the Jets scored three points against the Dolphins. Another loss for the Jets means the NFL Draft is one week closer.
Joe: Raiders 31, Jets 17
The Jets present the perfect remedy for a team that is coming off of an embarrassing loss. Derek Carr and co. will jump out to a double-digit lead early and not look back.
Andersen: Raiders 27, Jets 17
The Jets continue to lose while the Raiders are coming off a horrendous loss of their own in Atlanta. However, Las Vegas is still leaps and bounds better than the Jets. Look for the Raiders to trample New York despite Josh Jacobs‘s absence.
New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks
Mike: Seahawks 27, Giants 13
This game would be somewhat competitive if Daniel Jones plays. However, he’s listed as doubtful, so the Seahawks should win by 14 or more.
Joe: Seahawks 31, Giants 13
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks will have an all but easy win. The first-place Giants will have Colt McCoy under center, replacing the injured Daniel Jones. Offensively, New York won’t be able to keep up points-wise.
Andersen: Seahawks 31, Giants 21
The Giants are going to storm in Seattle and put up a legitimate effort, racking up a trio of touchdowns on the road. However, the Seahawks are the Seahawks and they lead the NFL in points per game. With Seattle’s defense improving lately, they’re all but a lock to win.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals
Mike: Rams 28, Cardinals 27
These two teams are chasing the Seahawks for first place in the NFC West. With Seattle getting a nearly-guaranteed victory over the Giants this week, the loser of this game might want to start making travel arrangements as they have almost no shot of winning the division.
Joe: Rams 31, Cardinals 24
The Rams get back into the win column in this one. Kyler Murray will find success against the Rams’ defense but come up on the losing end.
Andersen: Rams 30, Cardinals 24
This game feels like it has the making of the Rams-Buccaneers game from a couple Mondays ago. The Rams’ defense should hamper a solid Cardinals offense while Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods have big games. If the Rams take an early lead, they likely won’t look back.
New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Mike: Patriots 23, Chargers 20
After last week’s win over the Cardinals, the Patriots will continue to be a thorn in other teams’ side the rest of the season. However, they should be favored over the Chargers, who find new ways to lose every week.
Joe: Chargers 31, Patriots 27
As with all of these two teams’ games, this will be a back-and-forth, score-for-score game. Justin Herbert will play hero this time around, sealing the victory.
Andersen: Patriots 27, Chargers 20
Both of these teams are wonky and somewhat unpredictable, but it’s hard to pick against a Bill Belichick-led team coming off a win against the Cardinals. New England should win, but it’s definitely not a lock.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers
Mike: Packers 34, Eagles 17
The Packers are rolling and the Eagles are falling apart. It doesn’t take a genius to figure this game out.
Joe: Packers 28, Eagles 17
Aaron Rodgers will continue to make his MVP case with another four-touchdown performance. The Eagles will be playing from behind all game and come up short.
Andersen: Packers 37, Eagles 20
Oh, please. Both of these teams already have their sights set on Week 14.
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Mike: Chiefs 38, Broncos 17
Thankfully, the Broncos will have an actual quarterback this week after last week’s game against the Saints was impossible to watch. However, the Chiefs are the hottest team in the league right now and could easily win by three touchdowns.
Joe: Chiefs 31, Broncos 17
The Chiefs will continue to fine tune their team for the playoffs. Sammy Watkins will be the stud receiver this week for the Chiefs. The Broncos will have success on the ground but abandon it once they get behind.
Andersen: Chiefs 38, Broncos 24
The Broncos, who have a real quarterback this week, should be able to put some points on the board this week. Of course, they have no shot at beating the Chiefs, who are playing incredible football and are a lock to win.
Washington Football Team vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike: Pittsburgh 27, Football Team 13
While Washington had an impressive win over the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, they are playing the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Monday. Expect this game to be ugly from the start.
Joe: Steelers 24, Football Team 17
The Steelers will struggle against the much-improved Washington defense. However, in the end, they will pull out the win and remain undefeated for yet another week.
Andersen: Steelers 27, Football Team 21
It’d be foolish to bet against a 12-0 team, but Monday’s game between the Steelers and Football Team should be a joy to watch. We might be in for a treat if the Washington offense continues its impressive play.
Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers
Mike: 49ers 24, Bills 23
Despite playing their home games in Arizona, the 49ers aren’t a team you want to face right now. They are starting to get healthy and have momentum after their win over the Rams last week. The Bills are on upset alert here.
Joe: Bills 27, 49ers 24
This game will be a defensive struggle, but each team will capitalize with big chunk plays. Offensively, the Josh Allen-led Bills are the better of the two teams. Buffalo gets the win here.
Andersen: Bills 27, 49ers 23
This is a really tough game to predict because it could go either way. However, it’s hard to see a Nick Mullens-led team beating the Bills, especially with George Kittle out. Richard Sherman‘s return bodes well for the 49ers, but they’ll likely still come up just short.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens
Mike: Ravens 27, Cowboys 13
Although the Ravens have struggled at times this season, the Cowboys aren’t in the same class. After dealing with all the COVID-19 madness last week, the Ravens make a statement against America’s Team.
Joe: Cowboys 24, Ravens 20
The Ravens are rebounding from their COVID-19 outbreak and a loss to the Steelers. Baltimore will come out slow and the Cowboys will capitalize on that. Dallas will pull off an upset this week.
Andersen: Ravens 31, Cowboys 10
The Cowboys might be the worst team in football, which is painful to admit considering their offense is full of fun weapons. The coaching in Dallas has been horrendous and it’s unlikely the Cowboys win another game this year. Despite the latest COVID-19 craziness, Baltimore should win by three scores.
Point Totals
Mike: 232
Joe: 221
Andersen: 219
Records
Mike: 116-61
Joe: 109-68
Andersen: 108-69
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Mike Fanelli on Twitter @MikeSports22
Joe Heller on Twitter @JerseyJoe317
Andersen Pickard on Twitter @AndersenPickard
Main Image Credit:
