NFL: Week 13 Showdown Slates

Week 13 gave us some high level matchups to judge the potential playoff teams against one another.

Week 13 Highlights

• Bills Own the Pats – Going into Thursday, the Bills hadn’t punted in 2 straight games versus NE. Well, they did punt this time, but Josh Allen was a star leading BUF to the 24-10 win. The D was the real story forcing 3 of 12 on 3rd down, as QB Mac Jones expressed his dissatisfaction with the play calling.
• Bengals Own Chiefs? – For the 3rd time since the start of the 2021 season, the Bengals win head to head against the Chiefs. This time it took a blown first half lead and late TD to win the game outright Bengals win, 27-24. This game felt like an AFC Playoff match up, and let’s hope we get it one more time.
• 49ers Win With A Cost – The age old battle of Offense versus Defense was settled yet again with the SF D shutting down the high powered MIA passing attack in their 33-17 win. However, QB Jimmy G has a plantar fascia injury and is now out for the rest of the season, maybe returning in the playoffs. Enter Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, who threw the ball enough to get the win over MIA. I think that really hurts the 49ers chances at a ring.
• Vikings Outlast the Jets – The Vikes have been winning dangerously all year, and they did it yet again. After getting shut down most of the 2nd half, their TD with 8:33 in the 4th Quarter giving them a 27-15 lead seemed like enough. However, the Jets answered with a TD of their own, and they got in the Red Zone 2 times inside of 2 minutes only to be denied each time on 4th downs for the Vikings win, 27-23.
• Eagles Crushed Titans – PHI had been swooning lately, but you wouldn’t know it on Sunday, as the Eagles destroyed the Titans, 35-10. RB Derrick Henry was limited again, this time for just 30 yards on 11 carries, as the Eagles flex their muscles to 11-1 on the season.
• Commanders and Giants Don’t Win – Oh, the Tie, why is it allowed. Both teams fought hard in this one, but a missed FG late got us the dreaded, 20-20 tie, which could loom large in the NFC Playoff picture.

Predictions: S/U – 2-1-1 (WAS tied), ATS – 2-2 (never doubt the Bills)

Wegs Index After 13 Games

1. Eagles 11-1 (3.00 Index) – The Eagles’ win does put them back in rarified air in the Index.
2. Cowboys 9-3 (4.17) – Don’t look now, but the Cowboys are not destroying opponents. They have only lost one game since Dak’s return (at GB when they blew a 14 point lead). Buy your SF futures now!
3. 49ers 8-4 (5.67) – It’s too bad because the Offense finally looked good, then Jimmy G is out. I love the D, but is it enough to beat DAL or PHI in the NFC? I don’t think so.
4. Bills 9-3 (6.33) – The Bills are still the top AFC team, but the gap is closing.
5. Bengals 8-4 (8.83) – The Bengals are rounding into form. The KC wins just solidifies my opinion that they will win the AFC North.
6. Ravens 8-4 (9.83) – A near loss on Sunday, but miracle win leaves the Ravens questioning life, plus QB Lamar Jackson is out a while. Seems a lot like last year.
7. Chiefs 9-3 (10.67) – The Chiefs lost the battle in CIN, but can they win the war in the AFC. They’ve lost to their 2 biggest rivals for the AFC crown this season.
8. Jets 8-4 (11.83) – The Jets should have won at MIN, but no time for crying with BUF ready to host them on Sunday.
9. Pats 6-6 (12.67) – Pats still have a shot for the playoffs, but I don’t like them against any top team in the AFC with that Offense.
10. Bucs 5-6 (14.50) – The Bucs did what they needed to do on MNF to get ahold of the division by 2 games, but unimpressive to say the least.

Fantasy Advice – Regular Season Finale Edition

Every league is different in the playoffs, so review your rules. However, in general, the highest scoring team and the top records will either get a Bye in Week 1 of the playoffs or have a lower seed to deal with.

This week’s advice is stick with what got you there. If you have a squad that has killed it every week, then do not change a thing. However, this is the best time to get your RB handcuff or pick up a DST with a good playoff schedule. If you are fighting for the playoffs and need to win to get in, then empty the clip. That means you don’t need that 2nd TE or back up QB. Get the highest scoring team possible for this week and hope the Fantasy Gods smile upon you. Just get in the Dance, and it’s not the best record that wins the Title or Chedda – it’s the hottest team. Let’s make that you.

Marquee Match Ups in Week 14

6 Teams on Bye This Week: Bears, Colts, Commanders, Falcons, Packers and Saints

• Jets at Bills (-9.5, 44 Total) – Sunday, 12/11 at 12 Noon Central on CBS – The Bills have a score to settle from the loss earlier at the Jets. I wouldn’t want to be QB Mike White in this one, who has played well. I think the line is a little heavy in this one, but I still like the Bills to grab the division by the throat by winning and covering in this one (-9.5).
• Eagles at Giants (+7, 45.5 Total) – Sunday, 12/11 at 12 Noon Central on FOX – The Giants were able to get the Tie vs. WAS, but the schedule doesn’t get easier. PHI was able to shut down Derrick Henry. Can they do it to Saquon? I think so. I’m not thrilled with the spread in this one, so I’ll have the Eagles win, but Giants cover +7.
• Bucs at 49ers (-3.5, 37 Total) – Sunday, 12/11 at 3:25 PM Central on FOX – The Bucs were lackluster on MNF, and now they play the league’s best D. Even without Jimmy G, I think the SF team takes care of inferior opponents. Watch out TB12, you are going to get hit. SF wins and covers -3.5.
• Dolphins at Chargers (+3.5, 51.5 Total) – Sunday, 12/11 at 7:20 PM Central on NBC – The Fins finally faced a good team and got punked, while the Chargers still are not healthy to play full tilt. I do think that QB Justin Herbert has a motivational edge being selected after MIA’s Tua, and if they can get Williams back this week can keep up with MIA. I like the Chargers to win a big one here and cover +3.5.

Good luck in Week 14.

Wegs