Football Feast in the Five Hottest Games Of Week 13

Week 13 began with a triple header including the traditional home games for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. The Lions were heavy favorites to manhandle the Chicago Bears, who were on a five-game winning streak. Instead, the Lions survived an incredible comeback after squandering a 23-7 lead in the third quarter, only to sneak a 3-point win due to the incompetency of Bears’ Coach Matt Eberflus, who failed to call timeout and set up a game-tying field goal. In the second game, the Dallas Cowboys won their first home game of the season by defeating the New York Giants 27-20 at AT&T Stadium. In the nightcap, the Green Bay Packers extended Tua Tagovailoa’s winless record in temperatures under 45 degrees to 0-8 with a 30-17 win over the Dolphins. Still, the best games are yet to come this weekend, and in this article, we will discuss the five hottest games as we feast on football.

Last week’s record: 4-1
Overall Record: 40-20

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)-Sunday, 1 p.m CB

Both teams will be rested since the Bengals are coming off a bye while the Steelers enjoyed 10 days rest after playing the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football. Also, both teams lost their last game on the with the Bengals losing to the Chargers despite a 21-point comeback while the Steelers lost a heartbreaker in the Cleveland blizzard. At the start of the season, I picked the Bengals to make the playoffs, but their inept defense has wasted an MVP-level season from Joe Burrow. I think the Steelers are the more complete team, and Russell Wilson will be able to exploit the weakness in the Bengals’ defense. On the other hand, the Steelers will be able to bring pressure on Joe Burrow and reduce his productivity. The Bengals’ rushing attack is non-existent, with the team ranked 27th in the league based on yards on the ground. I have the Steelers rebounding and winning another close divisional matchup while ending the Bengals’ playoff hopes.

Steelers 24-Bengals 20

2. Arizona Cardinals (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-2)-Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
Last week, the Cardinals saw their four-game winning streak end in a bitter loss to the Seattle Seahawks on the road. In the game, Kyler Murray struggled by completing 24 of 37 passes, 285 yards, and an interception. The offense was limited to 49 rushing yards, 3/12 on third downs, punted 6 times, and scored only 6 points. On the other hand, the Vikings survived another Bears comeback to win over by a field goal after leading 24-10 in the third quarter. The Vikings have returned to their red-hot form on offense, while Murray showed they are a bit one-dimensional in their execution. I think the Vikings will generate enough pressure at home to make life difficult for Murray and Sam Darnold to make big throws to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to win the game.

Vikings 30-Cardinals 20

3. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-5)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS

The Chargers will be at a disadvantage entering this matchup because they played on Monday Night Football and are now traveling across the country for this matchup in the 1 o’clock window. On the other hand, the Falcons are well rested after their bye week and eager to get back to winning ways after losing to the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos. Despite the favorable position of the home team, I am leaning toward the Chargers, who will be able to slow down the Falcons’ running game and make life difficult for Kirk Cousins. Then, I think Herbert can capitalize and dissect this Falcons defense down the field.

Chargers 27- Falcons 23

4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) at Baltimore Ravens(8-4) -Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS

If you have limited time to watch any games this weekend, then this matchup is the one to watch with friends and family. The Eagles are the hottest team in football on a seven-game winning streak buoyed by their sensational running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley and the Eagles enjoyed their most dominant performance last week in a 37-20 win in which Penn State alum rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns. On the other hand, the Ravens were equally impressive the following night in the same stadium with a 30-23 win, which was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested. I think the Eagles’ defense has improved since last year, but I think the duo of Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry will slightly outperform Jalen Hurts & Barkley. The Ravens are second in rush yards allowed and will force Hurts to make plays that will create turnovers. I have the Ravens winning a high-scoring thriller.

Ravens 31-Eagles 27

5. San Francisco 49ers (5-6) at Buffalo Bills (9-2)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET NBC

It feels like these two teams are heading in opposite directions. The Bills have won six straight games, and their biggest game was prior to the bye last week against the Kansas City Chiefs. On the other hand, questions surround the 49ers, who have lost back-to-back games and are still in last place in the division. I think this is a make-or-break game for the 49ers, but they have not shown me enough to think they can win this game in Western New York. Brock Purdy will reportedly play in this game, but we don’t know how effective he will play with an injured shoulder. I have the Bills winning this game against the injury-riddled NFC Champions.

Bills 31-49ers 22