NFL Week 13 Weekend Slate

Yes, we are all stuffed from Thanksgiving, but never too full to watch football.

Early Slate

Chargers vs. Falcons: This is like a mini-playoff game as we push toward the last quarter of the season. The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Ravens and only sit a half-game ahead of the Broncos in the standings. For Atlanta, they need to stay ahead of the Buccaneers, who have played everyone tough all year. Look for Atlanta to spread things out when passing and lean into the run game. This should be a relatively even match, with the Chargers getting a slight nod because they have a better defense.

Steelers vs. Bengals: Pittsburgh only has a half-game lead on the Ravens, and if the Cleveland game was any indication of future performance, there are concerns that time has run out on the Steelers. Though weather was an issue, the Browns controlled the entire game. The Bengals don't have a great defense, but Pittsburgh's offense isn't setting the NFL on fire. The Bengals can surge at the end of the season, but their run game is a concern. The Steelers will try to make Cincy one-dimensional by killing the run game. If that happens, Burrow must be creative and find ways to extend plays. The Bengals are favored at home, which shouldn't be a huge surprise.

Cardinals vs. Vikings: The Arizona defense is improving weekly, while the Vikings offense has struggled for the past month. Minnesota was able to score 30 on a very good Bears defense. The Vikings have been leaning on their stellar defense all year to the tune of 9-2. When both the offense and defense are humming, they look unstoppable. Arizona's offense can match the Vikings' intensity. DC Brian Flores will attempt to overwhelm Kyler Murray and box him in with pressure. Conversely, the Vikings' defense will have to contend with one of the unique units in the NFL. Their 3-High Safety structure can mess with the quarterback's reads, and Arizona has the best box safety in the NFL, with Budda Baker being the best.

Colts vs. Patriots: On paper, this may not seem like an interesting matchup outside each team's fan base, but this has the makings of a fun watch. These teams are evenly matched and have young quarterbacks at the helm. Drake Maye has been playing well, and you never know what Anthony Richardson will do.

Seahawks vs. Jets: Seattle's victory over the Cardinals put them in the top spot in the NFC West. At 6-5, the defense is putting together a string of good outings. Macdonald finally has some pieces to work with, and the patterns of success he used in Baltimore are starting to show up. Ernest Jones has given the Seahawks a solid middle LB that can add in when Macdonald wants to use pressure. The Jets are headed in the opposite direction. Rodgers looks like a lame-duck coach, and every day, something in the media makes this organization look disjointed. Still, the Jets have a good roster and can put together a nice outing on any given week. If the Seahawks can keep Geno clean, they should be able to hold on to their top spot in the West.

Titans vs. Commanders: The Commanders are in a bit of a free-fall as they have now lost three in a row. Pundits are pointing out the traditional Kliff Kingsbury regression, but the defense hasn't played well either. The Titans need help on offense, but their defense can force Washington into a one-dimensional game. Tennesse has one of the best run defenses in the NFL. The Commanders must pass to win and hopefully keep Jaylen Daniels upright. This game can be played closer than expected. The opening line was -6.5 for the Commanders.

Texans vs. Jaguars: Both of these offenses have been struggling. The game's real star will be the Houston defense, which is one of the best in the NFL. The Texans currently sit 7-5 and control the AFC South. Still, these divisional games tend to play closer than expected. Houston will look to put their divisional loss against the Titans from last week in the rearview mirror. Drop two in a row, opening the door for the Colts to catch up.

Afternoon Slate

Rams vs. Saints: The Rams are part of the log jam in the NFC West and can't afford to lose any more games. LA should be able to move the ball on the Saints' defense. Game control should be in the hands of the Rams, as New Orleans has one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. The Saints must have a similar game plan: run the ball, use play-action to attack space, and control the game by staying ahead of the chains. Easier said than done.

Buccaneers vs. Panthers: Don't look now, but the Panthers are playing good football. Since November, Carolina has been 2-1, with their one loss coming to the Chiefs by a field goal. Offensively, this is a mismatch for the Buccaneers, but they still have injuries in their receiving corps. The advanced metrics will have the Panthers sunk near the bottom of the list for offense and defense, but the eye test the past three weeks would tell you differently. Tampa better not sleep on a divisional rival, especially when they are still trying to push for a playoff spot.

Eagles vs. Ravens: This is the premier game of the slate. Baltimore and Philadelphia are both teams that want to run the ball and be physically up front. Lamar will have plenty in the intermediate, where Fangio wants to funnel the ball. The point of his defense is to compress the field. Though the Eagles traditionally have struggled against the run, this year has been a different story. There should be space downfield for Jalen Hurts and Co. to throw the ball. The Ravens have struggled all year in the secondary. Look for an absolute brawl in Baltimore.

Sunday Night Football

49ers vs. Bills: If Purdy plays, this should be better than the opening line of -7. Buffalo is looking to finish the year strong, and though the 49ers are a shell of their former Super Bowl self, there is immense talent all around. The Bills matchup will be against San Francisco because of how they play defense. Allen and Co. should be able to keep this rolling, but if Purdy plays and San Fransisco gets back to playing their football brand, this one could go down to the wire.

Monday Night Football

Browns vs. Broncos: Cleveland shocked most with a victory over the Steelers at home, but will that translate to more wins in Denver? Sean Payton seems to have found him a quarterback, and the offense looks better each week. At this point, the defenses travel, and Denver has one of the best.

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As we dive in, we look forward to the conversation, debate, and your feedback. Hit us up at @fieldvisionmi on X, @fieldvisionsports on Instagram, or on our website www.fieldvisionsports.com.