NFL Week 13 Showdowns: Top Predictions and Analysis

Los Angeles Chargers @ Atlanta Falcons

Entering Week 13, both of these teams are in a position to make the playoffs. The Chargers (7-4) are coming off a tough loss on Monday night to the Baltimore Ravens. Los Angeles may be without running back J.K. Dobbins after its lead rusher left Monday’s game with a knee injury. The Falcons (6-5) lead the NFC South but have lost their last two games. Coming off its Bye Week, Atlanta should have plenty of energy as it looks to avoid a third loss in a row. Atlanta has struggled to score points in recent weeks — 23 total points in its last two games — and it may have a hard time against a good Chargers defense.

Prediction: 23-20, Los Angeles 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Ahead of last week’s Thursday Night Football tilt with the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh was in a favorable position in the AFC North. Then, the Steelers (8-3) lost a snowy game to the Browns and saw their division lead trimmed to a half-game. Pittsburgh remains likely to reach the postseason but the Baltimore Ravens are making a push in the North. The Bengals (4-7) are mired in a disappointing season but remain a threat each week. Joe Burrow has been on fire all season and would love nothing more than to deal another blow to a rival.

Prediction: 27-17, Cincinnati 

Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings

This is a contest that may not generate much buzz nationally, but it is very important for the NFC playoff picture. The host Vikings (9-2) are likely to reach the postseason regardless of the result of this game, but a 10th win would keep them within reach of Detroit for the NFC North lead. The Cardinals (6-5) lost possession of first place in the West with a loss to Seattle last week, though they are still alive in both the division and Wild Card race. Arizona had won five of six before last week’s no show — the offense scored six points — and now faces one of the better defenses in the league. In a low-scoring affair, Minnesota defends its home turf.

Prediction: 17-13, Minnesota 

Philadelphia Eagles @ Baltimore Ravens

This is the game of the week. Fans are being treated to a potential Super Bowl preview as the Eagles (9-2) travel to Baltimore to take on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens (8-4). Philadelphia has won seven games in a row and features a lethal offense that is firing on all cylinders. Saquon Barkley is playing at an MVP level and A.J. Brown has scored a touchdown in four straight games. Meanwhile, Baltimore has an offense that leads the league in yards per game (426.7) and is second in points per game (30.3). Baltimore’s defense does well against the run but its pass defense is questionable. Will Jalen Hurts be able to take advantage?

Prediction: 35-30, Baltimore 

San Francisco 49ers @ Buffalo Bills

Before the season began, this matchup was viewed as one of the marquee games of the 2024 season. Now, the Bills (9-2) are 6.5-point favorites over the depleted 49ers (5-6). San Francisco has dealt with numerous injuries to its stars throughout the season and appears to be on the cusp of a collapse. Meanwhile, Buffalo has surged toward the top of the AFC with six wins in a row and is poised to make a run for the 1-seed. With a snowstorm forecasted for Sunday night, the Niners may be in a world of trouble.

Prediction: 30-14, Buffalo