As we dive into December football, Week 13 of the NFL season is upon us, and with it comes a fresh slate of games that promise excitement, drama, and some critical playoff implications. Pete Prisco has shared his insightful picks for this week, highlighting key matchups and providing predictions that could help guide your betting decisions.
Overview of Prisco’s Season
After a challenging November, Prisco’s record stands at 80-96-3 against the spread (ATS) and 107-72-0 straight up. Despite some humorous ribbing from colleagues, he remains committed to his analytical approach, emphasizing the importance of turning things around as the playoff race intensifies.
Key Matchups and Predictions
1. Chicago Bears (+10) at Detroit Lions
- Kickoff: Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Prediction: Lions 30, Bears 27
The Bears are struggling with four consecutive losses, while the Lions have surged to the top of the NFC standings. Despite playing on the road during Thanksgiving, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has shown promise, which could keep the game closer than expected.
2. New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5)
- Kickoff: Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Prediction: Cowboys 24, Giants 17
After a solid win against the Commanders, the Cowboys are looking to build momentum. The Giants, meanwhile, are faltering. With Cooper Rush leading the charge against Tommy DeVito, the Cowboys are expected to emerge victorious at home.
3. Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers (-3)
- Kickoff: Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
- Prediction: Packers 28, Dolphins 22
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins face a critical test against a resurgent Packers team. Although Miami has been playing well, this matchup will gauge their ability to win on the road against a formidable opponent.
4. Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs (-12)
- Kickoff: Friday, 3 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime Video)
- Prediction: Chiefs 31, Raiders 14
With Aidan O’Connell starting for the Raiders, Kansas City looks to capitalize on a favorable matchup. The Chiefs, despite some inconsistency this season, should find their rhythm against the Raiders.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (-2) at Atlanta Falcons
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Prediction: Chargers 30, Falcons 21
The Chargers face a Falcons team that is coming off a bye week. However, the Chargers’ defense is expected to shine, allowing Justin Herbert to lead his team to victory.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Prediction: Bengals 26, Steelers 20
The Bengals, fresh off a bye, will look to keep their playoff hopes alive against a struggling Steelers team. Joe Burrow’s leadership should prove decisive in this critical matchup.
7. Houston Texans (-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Prediction: Texans 33, Jaguars 20
C.J. Stroud is expected to shine against a beleaguered Jaguars defense. With Trevor Lawrence potentially returning, the Jaguars will need to step up their game to compete.
8. Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Prediction: Vikings 31, Cardinals 21
The Cardinals are struggling, particularly against a tough Vikings defense. Minnesota is poised to take advantage of any mistakes made by Kyler Murray.
9. Indianapolis Colts (-3) at New England Patriots
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Prediction: Colts 23, Patriots 17
The Colts are looking to bounce back after a rough outing. With Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor in good form, they should be able to handle the Patriots effectively.
10. Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets (+2)
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Prediction: Jets 23, Seahawks 19
The Jets are coming off a bye, providing them with a strategic advantage against the traveling Seahawks. This matchup has all the makings of an upset for the Jets.
11. Tennessee Titans (+5.5) at Washington Commanders
- Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Prediction: Commanders 24, Titans 21
While the Titans are coming off an impressive win, the Commanders are expected to regain their footing at home, making this a closely contested game.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-6) at Carolina Panthers
- Kickoff: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Panthers 17
The Buccaneers are looking to build on their recent success against a Panthers team that has shown flashes of potential but struggles to close out games.
13. Los Angeles Rams (-3) at New Orleans Saints
- Kickoff: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
- Prediction: Rams 31, Saints 23
With both teams vying for playoff positioning, this game could be a turning point. The Rams need to bounce back after a loss, and Matt Stafford’s leadership will be crucial.
14. Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens (-3)
- Kickoff: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Prediction: Ravens 34, Eagles 30
This matchup features two of the league’s most dynamic offenses. The edge goes to Lamar Jackson, whose versatility could be the deciding factor in a high-scoring affair.
15. San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills (-7)
- Kickoff: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
- Prediction: Bills 30, 49ers 20
The Bills are coming off a bye week, providing them with ample time to prepare for the 49ers. The health of Brock Purdy will be pivotal, but the Bills are favored to win.
16. Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos (-5.5)
- Kickoff: Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Prediction: Broncos 24, Browns 14
The Broncos have been playing well, particularly on defense, while the Browns will need to find a way to win on the road against a formidable team.
Conclusion
As we gear up for Week 13, these matchups offer a mix of excitement and intrigue. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, Prisco’s insights provide valuable context for each game. Be sure to tune in and enjoy the action as the playoff race continues to heat up!