A lot of the NFL’s Week 12 contests had tight point spreads, which meant that upsets would turn out to be more likely than in prior weeks, when touchdown-sized spreads, and even double-digit spreads, were a lot more common. Injuries are taking a greater and greater toll on the league’s 32 teams, and in some cases COVID-19 is starting to pull players off sidelines as well. What can we expect in Week 13?
We have a NFL betting prediction for each matchup.
NFL News: Updated Odds, Overview & Predictions for Each Game in Week 13
Bye Week: Cleveland, Green Bay, Tennessee, Carolina
Dallas Cowboys (-5.5) at New Orleans Saints (O/U 46.5)
Thursday, December 2 | 8:20 pm ET, FOX / NFL
This line has already grown by a point since it opened, as the Cowboys and Saints tangle after a regular week, as both teams played on Thanksgiving (and both lost at home). Wide receivers Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb will both return for Dallas, but head coach Mike McCarthy will miss after a positive COVID-19 test. The Saints will start Taysom Hill at quarterback for the first time. I see the Saints outfoxing the Cowboys and extending drives with enough misdirection to get the upset.
Saints to cover: Bet the Game Today
Minnesota Vikings (-7) at Detroit Lions (46.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 1:00 pm ET, CBS
It seems like every game involving the Vikings comes down to one score, so losing by eight in San Francisco was actually a bit of an outlier. Dalvin Cook (shoulder) will miss the game for the Vikings, and the fact that Minnesota can’t stop the run will open up doors for the Lions. The Vikings should win this on the last drive, but that spread is too large.
Lions to cover: Bet the Game Today
Arizona Cardinals (-7.5) at Chicago Bears (45.5)
Chicago swiped the last NFC wild card from the Cards a year ago, so Arizona should be primed for revenge. Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins are both expected to play for Arizona after extended absences. Chicago’s defense lacks cohesiveness and discipline, and the Chicago offense lacks the skill players to keep up.
Cards to cover: Bet the Game Today
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10.5) at Atlanta Falcons (50.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 1:00 pm ET, FOX
Tampa Bay has changed up its offense so that Leonard Fournette is a much bigger component carrying the ball and so that the passing game shortens up — a needed response to the absence of Antonio Brown. Also, the Bucs’ passing defense is a little porous, so keeping the ball longer makes chunk plays less likely for the opposition. Brady should have fun picking apart the Atlanta D.
Bucs to cover: Bet the Game Today
Indianapolis Colts (-8.5) at Houston Texas (46.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 1:00 pm ET, CBS
Indianapolis fell to Tampa Bay as the Bucs’ offense took off too quickly in the second half for the Colts’ run-heavy approach to keep up. However, Houston does not have the means to stop Jonathan Taylor. Expect a big day for the Colts, even on the road.
Colts to cover: Bet the Game Today
Philadelphia Eagles (-7) at N.Y. Jets (45.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 1:00 pm ET, CBS
The Eagles got away from their run-heavy approach last week against the Giants, and it cost them as Jalen Hurts turned the ball over too many times. Hurts and Boston Scott will drive the running game, and the pass rush will get after Zach Wilson enough times to secure a turnover or three.
Eagles to cover: Bet the Game Today
L.A. Chargers (+3) at Cincinnati Bengals (50.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 1:00 pm ET, CBS
The Chargers simply cannot stop the run, and Cincinnati is leaning more and more on Joe Mixon as the autumn loses its warmth. Justin Herbert has shown a penchant for gunslinging — and throwing poorly timed interceptions.
Bengals to cover: Bet the Game Today
N.Y. Giants (+3) at Miami Dolphins (41.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 1:00 pm ET, FOX
Tua Tagovailoa is finally growing into his own as an NFL quarterback, and rookie wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is making hay as a result. Myles Gaskin looks more respectable as a tailback now that defenses can’t load the box. Miami’s defensive playmakers will get takeaways from Daniel Jones.
Miami to cover: Bet the Game Today
Jacksonville Jaguars (+13) at L.A. Rams (48)
Sunday, December 5 | 4:05 pm ET
The Rams have lost three games in a row, thanks in large part to Matthew Stafford’s interception troubles. Trevor Lawrence will have a stiff pass rush with Von Miller and Aaron Donald coming after him, which should force enough problems for the Rams to roll, even with this big spread.
Rams to cover: Bet the Game Today
Washington Football Team (+2.5) at Las Vegas Raiders (49.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 4:05 pm ET
Sure, the Raiders should win after taking down Dallas a week ago, but Washington’s defense is better, and Taylor Heinicke continues to show more confidence at quarterback.
Washington to cover: Bet the Game Today
Baltimore Ravens (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (44)
Sunday, December 5 | 4:25 pm ET
Lamar Jackson turns the ball over way too often — his three picks near the end of the first half should have doomed their chances against Cleveland, but the Browns gave the ball back twice. Luckily, the Steelers can’t stop the run, so the Ravens should be able to control the rhythm of the game.
Ravens to win and cover: Bet the Game Today
San Francisco 49ers (-2.5) at Seattle Seahawks (46.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 4:25 pm ET
San Francisco’s offense is rolling with Elijah Mitchell pounding the ball, Deebo Samuel carrying and catching the ball, and Brandon Aiyuk growing as a receiver. Seattle’s defense couldn’t stop Washington, so they won’t be able to stop the Niners.
San Francisco to win and cover: Bet the Game Today
Denver Broncos (+9.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (47.5)
Sunday, December 5 | 8:20 pm ET, NBC
The Broncos suddenly look extremely tough with both Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon pounding the ball, and their defense shut down the Chargers a week ago. Kansas City is tough at home, but their offense is not its explosive self yet.
Broncos to cover: Bet the Game Today
New England Patriots (+3) at Buffalo Bills (44)
Monday, December 6 | 8:15 pm ET, ESPN
Mac Jones will have all the challenge he wants from the Buffalo defense, and Josh Allen can deliver big plays on offense. For Buffalo, though, playing against other tough teams has represented a real problem, as they have struggled against such teams as Tennessee and Pittsburgh — and even lost to Jacksonville.
Patriots to cover: Bet the Game Today
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