Abe’s (51-30) Predictions:
Bears vs. Eagles: The Bears have yet to play their best football, yet they lead the NFC North. If they can find a way to get their offense to complement the run/pass game effectively, the Bears could be a scary team. Caleb Williams has gradually started trusting Ben Johnson’s offensive play-action scheme. You have to be willing to turn your back to the blind side defensive end for the play action to work, and Williams has become more comfortable doing so.
The Eagles used AJ Brown heavily at the start of last week’s game but did not really utilize him down the stretch, resulting in a loss. However, using Brown heavily was a good sign for the Eagles’ passing offense. If they continue to rely on Brown and his imposing big body to challenge defensive backs, the run game should improve as well. The defense has been inconsistent, but nothing truly worrisome.
Prediction: Eagles 27-25
Actual score: Bears 24-15
Saints vs. Dolphins: Two teams competing for a top draft pick, the Saints have been terrible this year. Since benching Spencer Rattler, their chances to win have dropped significantly. Alvin Kamara is expected to miss time with an injury, so rookie Devin Neal will take the lead in the backfield. Neal was efficient last week in the passing game with five catches for over 40 yards.
There have been two bright spots for the Dolphins this season: De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle. These two Pro Bowl-caliber players have carried the lackluster play from Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins should win by two scores, but it might be a close game towards the end.
Prediction: Dolphins 24-20
Texans vs. Colts: Daniel Jones is questionable to play this week due to a late-week injury. The Colts lost to the Chiefs last week, needing Jones to make plays, but he couldn’t deliver. So far, the way to beat the Colts has been loading the box with eight to nine players and forcing Jones to throw outside the numbers. If Jones plays against the No. 1 scoring defense of the Texans, the Colts offense could struggle. However, if Jones does not play and Anthony Richardson starts, things could quickly get out of hand in favor of the Texans.
Davis Mills has played well since taking over for CJ Stroud, who is injured. Their offense has found new life, leading to scoring they hadn’t seen all season. If the Texans can stop the run, they should not struggle to win, no matter who is under center.
Prediction: Texans 23-17
Falcons vs. Jets: The Jets have found some life at receiver with John Metchie since Garrett Wilson was placed on injured reserve. Aside from that, there is little to be excited about in a Jets team undergoing a complete rebuild. The Falcons may be without Drake London for a second straight game; however, against the Saints, they won 24-10 without him. Without London, All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson should see 25-30 touches against a mediocre Jets defense.
Prediction: Falcons 31-17
Vikings vs. Seahawks: The Seahawks are coming off a 30-24 win against the Titans. The game should have been less close, but mistakes made it competitive. To shake off the “not real contenders” label since their 21-19 loss to the Rams, they need to dominate the Brian Flores-coached Vikings defense. Scoring 30+ points will help achieve that.
On offense, the Vikings don’t pose much of a threat, with JJ McCarthy underperforming and his backup unproven against one of the best defenses in the league. The Vikings must get their run game going to have a chance. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason need to find ways to beat Seattle’s talented front seven, which has stifled every back they’ve faced. Superstar wideout Justin Jefferson will also have to deliver a masterclass to outshine Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s historic production. Without these things, expect a Seahawks blowout.
Prediction: Seahawks 34-16
Conner’s (51-30) Predictions:
49ers vs. Browns: Brock Purdy is arguably coming off his worst game since Christmas 2023. However, the 49ers defense stepped up last week, holding the Panthers (6-6) to just nine points. Though Bryce Young and the Panthers offense aren’t strong, the 49ers forced three interceptions, limiting them to three points. Christian McCaffrey continued to shine with 142 total scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. The defense has collected four interceptions in the last two games, a huge improvement from Weeks 1-10.
The Browns (3-8) defeated the Raiders (2-9) to get their first win since Week 7. Shedeur Sanders played okay in his first start, throwing for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, completing just 55% of his passes. The Browns’ defense was the key, holding the Raiders to 10 points and recording 10 sacks. Despite their record, they perform better than expected.
For this game, I expect the 49ers (8-4) to pull off the win. Their defense has improved, and Sanders didn’t play well against the Raiders, who allow 25.2 points per game. The Browns have the second-best defense in yards allowed per game (273) and the second-most sacks (42). The 49ers offensive line isn’t the best, so Purdy will face pressure all game.
Still, the offense should perform enough with McCaffrey and George Kittle to secure the win. The 49ers have more to play for and will find a way.
Prediction: 49ers 23-17
Rams vs. Panthers: The Rams (9-2) may be the best team in the NFL right now. Coming off a dominant 34-7 win over the Buccaneers (6-5), Matthew Stafford is playing MVP-level football, having not thrown an interception since Week 3, with 30 touchdown passes so far. Their defense has been elite recently, allowing just 12 points on average in the last six games.
The Panthers (6-6) missed the chance to control their NFC South path with a loss to the 49ers. Except for games against low-tier Falcons and Cowboys, their offense has struggled, averaging just 10.25 points in their last four contests. While their defense forced three interceptions last game, their offense only managed three points off those turnovers.
This game should be dominated by the Rams. Stafford should carve up the Panthers’ just-okay defense, and Bryce Young’s recent play has been mediocre, throwing only four touchdowns to three interceptions over his last three games.
Prediction: Rams 27-17
Jaguars vs. Titans: The Jaguars (7-4) have resurged, winning three of their last four games, although they did choke against the Texans in Week 10. Trevor Lawrence’s performance is still inconsistent, with five touchdowns and six interceptions in the last four weeks. Their defense has been strong recently with nine sacks over two weeks. Travis Etienne Jr. has been heating up, scoring a touchdown in his last three games.
The Titans (1-10) continue to struggle, losing four close games by one score. Cam Ward hasn’t thrown a multi-touchdown game but hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 8. Their passing defense is ranked No. 20 and has been solid late in games.
Despite it being a divisional matchup with potential for a Titans win, the Jaguars’ offense is improving, and they know a win is needed. Expect a close but ultimately Jaguar victory.
Prediction: Jaguars 24-20
Cardinals vs. Buccaneers: The Cardinals (3-8) lost 27-24 in overtime to the Jaguars last week after Jacoby Brissett threw an interception in OT. They have chances to win each week, assuming Kyler Murray doesn’t play. Brissett leads them to 24.2 points per game and Michael Wilson has stepped up in Marvin Harrison Jr.’s absence, posting 303 receiving yards in the last two games.
The Buccaneers (6-5) have fallen off since starting 5-2. Baker Mayfield’s recent injury further hurts their chances. Chris Godwin Jr. returned last week but only had nine receiving yards. Bucky Irving may return, providing a silver lining, but Mayfield only managed seven points in the half he played last week. The Bucs average just 111.2 rushing yards per game, ranked 20th in the NFL.
I think the Cardinals pull off an upset. Apart from their losses to the 49ers and Hawks, they’ve kept games close. The Bucs’ pass defense ranks 27th in yards allowed per game (243.5). Brissett should be able to pass effectively. The Bucs’ negative momentum and uncertain Mayfield status points to a Cardinals win if turnovers are limited.
Prediction: Cardinals 27-23
Bills vs. Steelers: The Bills (7-4) are coming off a crushing 23-19 loss to the Texans. Josh Allen was inconsistent but almost pulled through late before a false start penalty doomed the final drive. The Bills have proven to be mildly inconsistent.
The Steelers (6-5) remain an average team. Mason Rudolph played okay last week with 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Their defense returned to poor form after a solid outing against the Bengals. Initially expected to be among the best, their defense has underperformed, leading to the 6-5 record. Their offense is decent but not great.
In this matchup, I back the Bills. Their defense is better, allowing the fewest passing yards per game (168.2), which should limit the Steelers led by either Rodgers or Rudolph. The Bills’ defense is also likely to contain the Steelers’ run game. This is a must-win game for Buffalo.
Prediction: Bills 30-20
Raiders vs. Chargers: The Raiders (2-9) continue to disappoint. Their offensive line allowed 10 sacks last game, and 20 over three games. Their defense gave up 24 points to the low-scoring Browns.
The Chargers (7-4), coming off a bye week, were destroyed 35-6 by the Jaguars in Week 11. They have been inconsistent, beating strong teams but also losing to weaker ones. Justin Herbert and their defense, once elite, are inconsistent.
I have the Chargers winning. The Raiders have one of the worst offenses, leading to a new offensive coordinator. Their defense allows over 25 points per game. The Chargers, needing a win to keep pace in the wildcard race, hold a 4-1 record in the last five games against the Raiders. The Chargers defense should hold up, and Herbert should perform well against a mediocre Raiders pass defense.
Prediction: Chargers 27-13
Broncos vs. Commanders: The Broncos (9-2) have been one of the NFL’s best teams, mainly due to their defense, which allows just 17.5 points and ranks third in fewest yards allowed (274.4). They lead the league with 49 sacks. With such defense, the offense doesn’t need to do much.
Bo Nix has been okay, throwing 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He plays a big role late in games.
The Commanders (3-8), just one year removed from an NFC Championship appearance, have been a huge disappointment. Injuries at QB and receiver have hurt them, as they’ve lost six straight games. Marcus Mariota is yet to win as a starter and has thrown seven touchdowns and five interceptions. Their defense allows 27 points per game and the second-most yards (387).
This should be a blowout win for the Broncos. Even with Terry McLaurin back and a bye week advantage, Mariota and the Commanders won’t pose much of a threat against Denver’s defense. The Broncos’ offense should have an opportunity to get right following the bye.
Prediction: Broncos 21-13
Giants vs. Patriots: The Giants (2-10) continue to lose games they should win. Last week, they had a 10-point lead entering the fourth quarter against the Lions (7-4) but lost. They allowed Jahmyr Gibbs to average 14.6 yards per carry and score three touchdowns. Jameis Winston threw for 366 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception but couldn’t win in overtime.
The Patriots (10-2) won 26-20 last week over the Bengals (3-8). Drake Maye threw one touchdown and one interception, completing 62.9% of passes. A pick-six helped their cause.
This game is a potential trap for the Patriots, but I expect them to win. They are 4-2 at home, while the Giants are winless on the road. Even with Jaxson Dart returning, the Patriots’ strong defense should limit him. The Giants’ defense is poor, allowing the third-most yards and 27.8 points per game. Offensively, the Patriots average 26.5 points per game with Maye at quarterback.
The Giants simply don’t know how to close games, winning only two of six one-score contests. The Patriots have been winning consistently.
Prediction: Patriots 27-20
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