Another week in the NFL and another week the eyes of the Gridiron world will be on the flying Philadelphia Eagles. On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers head to the East Coast seeking revenge after a crushing loss in the NFC Championship in the same stadium. However, the week starts with the Eagles’ rival, the Cowboys seeking a fourth straight win against the Seahawks before facing each other next week. Elsewhere, the surging Broncos will face off against Rookie star quarterback C.J. Stroud in a battle of teams looking to win a wild card spot. These are the only three matchups of winning teams, and we will discuss them among the five hottest games in Week 13.
Last week: 4-1
Overall:36-24
1. Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys-Thursday, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video
The Cowboys have been dominating teams at home in winning games by an average of 29 points. Yes, that is a ridiculous margin of over four touchdowns! Last week, the Cowboys steamrolled the Washington Commanders 45-10 with Dak Prescott 22 of 32 passes, 331 yards, and four touchdowns. On the other hand, like last season, the Seahawks appear to be dipping in form at the worst possible time after getting manhandled by the 49ers 31-13 at home. Seattle is now on a two-game losing streak, and Geno Smith is struggling with only one touchdown, 1 interception, and seven sacks in that period. This is the second game of a tough stretch for Seattle, with the team facing the 49ers and Eagles in the next three games. Unlike most Thursday games, rest will not be a factor since both teams played last Thursday. I don’t see how the Cowboys lose this game and not score in bunches.
Cowboys 31-Seahawks 17
2. Denver Broncos at Houston Texans-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS
The Texans will feel bruised after losing a nail baiter in the division to Jacksonville last week. It was a crippling loss because it pushed them two games behind the Jaguars in the division. Despite the loss, CJ Stroud still played well by completing 26 of 36 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns. On the other hand, the Broncos are riding a five-game winning streak heading into their matchup in Houston. Last week, Russell Wilson continued the pattern of low output but efficient performance by completing just 13 of 22 passes for 134 yards and one touchdown. However, the defense was the backbone of the victory with three forced turnovers. The key for CJ Stroud in this matchup is to protect the football, and I think they will outplay the Broncos offense. Also, I can’t see the Texans dropping two home games in a row. I have them winning a close and hard-fought game.
Texans 24-Broncos 23
3. San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles -Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Fox
This will be the game of the week. The Eagles are the top-ranked team, but after defeating the Chiefs and Bills in back-to-back weeks, it feels as if they are due a loss in a difficult stretch of games. In the NFC Championship Game, Philadelphia’s defense dominated the 49ers after they lost their quarterback, Brock Purdy, to a significant elbow injury. However, this time around, the Eagles’ defense is not quite as good, and the 49ers appear to be clicking on offense after the return of Trent Williams and Deebo Samuels. The acquisition of Chase Young has revitalized a defense that has held three teams to a combined 30 points, or 10 points per game. I have the 49ers winning a classic.
49ERS 28-Eagles 24
4. Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Rams Sunday, 4:25 p.m., Fox
The Browns laid a stinker in Denver because they failed to protect the football and finally showed they missed DeShaun Watson. The tough stretch continues with a second straight road game on the West Coast. The loss last week was costly because Myles Garrett and Dorian Thompson-Robinson sustained injuries in the game. However, at this point, they are likely to play. On the other hand, the Rams came out of their bye and won two divisional games against the Seahawks and Cardinals. The team has gotten healthier with Matt Stafford under center and Cooper Kupp returning to the lineup. I will take Stafford over any of the backup quarterbacks on the Browns.
Rams 23-Browns 17
5. Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers-Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC
This is a battle of teams with a rich tradition in the league. Both teams contested the first Super Bowl in 1967 when the Packers led by Vince Lombardi won 35-10. The Packers pulled off the upset last week when they went into Detroit and beat their rival in a stunning upset. Jordan Love had one of his best performances of the season by completing 22 of 32 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The back-to-back wins have given them the chance to make the playoffs as a wild card. However, I don’t see them beating the Chiefs. Mahomes was dominant in rallying his team from 14-0 by securing a 31-3 comeback victory. I think the Chiefs’ defense will be the key to forcing turnovers from Jordan Love, and Mahomes will make the big plays to grab the win on the road.
Chiefs 30-Packers 20