Week 12 was one of the most memorable weekends of the NFL season, but what if I told you that week 13 will likely be even better? Hear me out! Just take a look at the schedule, and you will find six games between teams with winning records. Count it, SIX! It includes an AFC championship rematch, an AFC East primetime grudge match, interconference matchups, and even a potential Superbowl preview. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride! In this article, we preview and predict the five hottest matchups in Week 13
Last Week: 3-2
Overall: 38-22
1. Buffalo Bills (8-3) at New England Patriots (6-5)-Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime Video)
Both teams played on Thanksgiving, so rest will not be a problem with a week to prepare. The Bills clawed their way to a win against the Lions, while the Patriots came up short despite some questionable officiating by the referees. The Bills effectively will be playing their third game in a row, but Josh Allen has the Patriots’ number, especially in the running game. The Patriots will be highly motivated in this matchup after Buffalo embarrassed them in the wild-card round last season. The key for the Patriots against this Bills team is to get back to running the football effectively. I think the Patriots’ season is on the line in this game, and they pull off the upset on a cold and windy night at Gillette.
Patriots 24-Bills 23
2. New York Jets (7-4) at Minnesota Vikings (9-2)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Am I sold on Mike White replicating his performance against the Bears in Minnesota? Nope! I think people are premature in anointing White as the next Joe Namath. In the matchup, it will interesting to see the Vikings’ offense against the Jets’ defense. The spotlight matchup will be Justin Jefferson against Sauce Gardner. Jefferson torched the Patriots despite being double and triple-covered at times. I think White throws two interceptions, and the Vikings’ offense capitalizes to create some separation.
Vikings 21-Jets 15
3. Tennessee Titans (7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
If you are a fan of the running game, then you are in for a treat in this matchup. The Eagles ran the Packers out of Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday Night with 49 rushes, 363 yards, and three touchdowns. On the opposite side, the Titans’ game plan will center on running the ball through former Alabama star, Derrick Henry. However, I think the Eagles will win because AJ Brown will want to go out and torch his former team for trading him to Philadelphia. I have them winning a close and hard-fought game.
Eagles 30-Titans 24
4. Miami Dolphins (8-3) at San Francisco 49ers (7-4)-Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
It has the potential to be the best game this weekend. It pits the student against the pupil as Mike McDaniels goes cross country with his team to face his former boss Kyle Shanahan. It will be an interesting chess match because these teams will know the opponent’s tendencies because of the familiarity of the head coaches. The game will be decided by the defense that can slow down the opposition’s offense. Tua and the Dolphins are 8-0 in games that he starts and completes this season, but I see the streak ending in this game because the 49ers’ defense will be able to slow them enough for their playmakers on offense to capitalize. In a potential Super Bowl preview, I have the home team winning a photo finish win.
49ers 28-Dolphins 27
5. Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
It’s been ten months since the Bengals strode into Kansas City and edged the Chiefs to win the conference and head to the Superbowl. Patrick Mahomes has built an MVP resume in dominating top defenses, and he will be out to avenge last season’s two losses to the same opponents. Joe Burrow will have Ja’Marr Chase back this week, and he was definitely on the Chiefs’ case last season. Mahomes’ motivation to deliver in a big spot will lead to an exciting close win in this matchup.
Chiefs 34-Bengals 31