Bing Predicts NFL Week 13

New Orleans Saints @ Dallas Cowboys

Game time: Thursday, Nov. 29, 8:20 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Dallas Cowboys lead series 16-12

The New Orleans Saints bring their league-leading, 10-game winning streak into Arlington, Texas, this Thursday night to take on the Dallas Cowboys. Neither team is playing on short rest as both teams played Thanksgiving matchups.

The Cowboys extended their winning streak to three games with an important 31-23 victory over the Washington Redskins. Dallas is now atop the NFC East (tied with Washington) and, with five games remaining in the regular season, will be the favorite to finish strong and win the division title.

New Orleans has essentially clinched the NFC South at this point: A win and a Carolina Panthers' loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 13 would officially lock things up for the hottest team in football. Quarterback Drew Brees is the MVP favorite. He's leading the NFL in passer rating with a staggering 127.3 and has thrown only two interceptions against 29 touchdowns.

The Cowboys are most successful when they ride running back Ezekiel Elliott. The team is 5-1 when he's over 100 yards rushing in a game. New Orleans is the league's #1 defense against the run, and Elliott is the league's leading rusher. Something has to give at AT&T Stadium.
 

Bing Predicts Winner: New Orleans Saints (70% chance)

See more on the New Orleans Saints
 

Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Denver Broncos lead series 21-10

The Broncos stayed alive in their playoff quest with a 24-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The game was the final of four-consecutive games against teams all on playoff trajectories. After dropping the first two to the Chiefs and the Texans, Denver took down the Chargers before their Week 12 victory over the Steelers. It's the second six-game winning streak the Broncos snapped in as many weeks.

Things get a bit easier for the Broncos when they travel to Cincinnati this Sunday. The Bengals have lost five of their last six games and are a far cry from the playoff contenders they looked to be early in the season. They were blown out 35-20 by the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 and allowed rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield to complete four touchdown passes.

While both teams are technically in the postseason hunt, things look bleak, especially for the Bengals. Andy Dalton was placed on injured reserve Monday and will miss the rest of the season with a thumb injury; Jeff Driskel will make his first-career start.
 

Bing Predicts Winner: Denver Broncos (55% chance)

See more on the Denver Broncos

Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Los Angeles Rams lead series 43-41-1

The Rams have firmly secured their place as one of the best, most dangerous teams in football. That was made clear after taking down the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11 in a 54-51 fireworks display. The Rams have the #2 offense in football and a dynamic defense anchored by Aaron Donald, who is having an MVP-caliber season. He currently leads the NFL in sacks, and forced two crucial fumbles in the Rams' victory over the Chiefs.     

They'll clinch the NFC West this weekend if they can defeat the Detroit Lions, who are no longer in the playoff conversation after their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was outplayed by journeyman Chase Daniel, who made his first start in nearly four years. Stafford threw two interceptions in the 23-16 loss.

Now the Lions are stuck between trying to win this year versus playing for next year. Things are different for the Rams, who are thinking one thing: Super Bowl. A win this week could move them into the top spot in the NFC pending a Saints' loss. The Rams are heavily favored on the road in Detroit.   

Bing Predicts Winner: Los Angeles Rams (74% chance)

See more on the Los Angeles Rams

 

Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Houston Texans lead series 6-3

The Houston Texans hope to make it nine victories in a row when they welcome the Browns this weekend. However, the Browns have put together a little winning streak of their own. Over the last two games, rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield has thrown seven touchdowns and hasn't been sacked or thrown an interception. The Browns seem to have put the Hue Jackson era behind them; a win this week would be as many as the former head coach had in his entire two-plus year tenure with the team (3). Mayfield took a shot at Jackson after the game, stating that the team now “trusts" the people calling the plays.

Will they have enough momentum to halt one of the hottest teams in football? Houston is surging: They are the first team in NFL history to win eight games in a row after dropping their first three of the season. It would take an epic collapse for them to miss the playoffs at this point.

The Texans should win this matchup, but the Browns have found new life this season. Houston may not be as good as their record indicates as they've played the sixth easiest schedule of any team this season per ESPN's FPI. The Browns could be a major test this Sunday.  

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Houston Texans (64% chance)

See more on the Houston Texans

 

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Indianapolis Colts lead series 23-12

This late-season AFC South matchup has playoff implications just not for the team who was projected to win the division at the season's start. The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost seven-straight games and look completely anemic on offense. They are averaging less than 18 points-per-game—only four teams have lower marks through 11 games this season. The Jags have officially benched quarterback Blake Bortles in favor of Cody Kessler; Bortles has thrown 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season.

The Colts, on the other hand, are booming on offense. They are currently on a five-game winning streak and have a winning record for the first time since 2015. They needed a fourth quarter comeback after being down by double-digits, but secured a 27-24 victory over the Dolphins and made the Wild Card picture in the AFC a little more clear. Colts' quarterback Andrew Luck keeps throwing touchdowns. His three in Sunday's game make it eight-straight games with at least three touchdown tosses.

A win for Indianapolis means they keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently in the sixth Wild Card spot but hold the same record as Indy.  
 

Bing Predicts Winner: Indianapolis Colts (66% chance) 

See more on the Indianapolis Colts

 

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Miami Dolphins lead series 60-47-1

This meeting between AFC East rivals probably doesn't have an impact on the playoffs, but both teams still have an outside shot. Last week's 27-24 loss to the Colts means the Miami Dolphins would need some help to find their way into the postseason. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill returned for the Dolphins after missing the last five games with a shoulder injury. In a game critical to the season, head coach Adam Gase elected to run the ball late while backed up in Miami territory instead of trusting Tannehill. The Dolphins punted, and then the Colts kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired.

The Bills aren't officially eliminated from the playoffs, but we can pretty much write them off. They have shown that they have some fight left this season—rookie starting quarterback Josh Allen returned from injury last week and led the Bills to a 24-21 victory over Jacksonville.

These two teams are meeting for the first time this season and will battle once more in Week 17.  

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Miami Dolphins (66% chance)

See more on the Miami Dolphins

 

Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Green Bay Packers lead series 45-25-4

The Green Bay Packers desperately needed a victory in Minnesota last Sunday night: They didn't get it. Now, in order to avoid missing the postseason for a second-straight year, they'll need to win the rest of their games and receive some help along the way. Aaron Rodgers laid out a roadmap in his postgame press conference for what needs to happen. Running the table isn't unheard of—the Packers were 4-6 and rattled off six-straight victories back in 2016 to make the playoffs and advance to the NFC Championship game. Green Bay's remaining five games are all winnable and that starts with the Cardinals at home this Sunday.

Arizona was embarrassed in a 45-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals actually got out to a 10-0 lead before giving up 45-unanswered points. It has been a season to forget for Arizona, who are a good candidate for the #1 overall draft pick next year.

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Green Bay Packers (75% chance)

See more on the Green Bay Packers

 

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Carolina Panthers lead series 23-13

The Carolina Panthers looked like a lock for the playoffs a few weeks ago, but have now dropped three-straight and would be on the outside looking in if the season ended today. Their 30-27 loss was especially painful because it gives Seattle, who now shares the same record as the Panthers, the head-to-head tiebreaker, and could be the difference between being in and being out.

The Buccaneers would need a miracle to make the playoffs, but played one of their best games of the season in their 27-9 victory over the 49ers last week. Jameis Winston looked as good as he has all year, throwing for 312 yards and two touchdowns in his first start in over a month. Tampa Bay ended a four-game skid.

Carolina and Tampa Bay met once already this season. The Panthers put up 42 points in their two-touchdown victory over their NFC South rivals, but haven't won a game since. This game is critical for Carolina to get back to their winning ways. Expect a heavy dose of Christian McCaffrey. The Panthers running back accumulated 157 yards and scored twice in the last meeting.

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Carolina Panthers (64% chance)

See more on the Carolina Panthers

 

Baltimore Ravens @ Atlanta Falcons

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Baltimore Ravens lead series 3-2

The Baltimore Ravens have found success with starting quarterback Joe Flacco on the bench. Rookie Lamar Jackson was victorious in his two starts since the Ravens' regular signal-caller was sidelined with a hip injury. If Flacco is cleared to play this week, head coach John Harbaugh will have a decision to make. Jackson has racked up 190 rushing yards in the last two games, the most of any quarterback in their first two starts in the Super Bowl era. Baltimore currently holds the second Wild Card spot in the AFC.

The Falcons' season is lost. The team has dropped three-straight games and is reeling despite what is usually a talented and high-powered offense. They were anything but high-powered in their 31-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints Week 12. The injured offensive line took a beating: The team surrendered six sacks and tallied only 26 rushing yards. Quarterback Matt Ryan leads the NFL in passing yards and had 377 yards through the air on Sunday, but turnovers stymied four promising drives.

With a loss to the Ravens, the Falcons would fall to 0-4 against the AFC North this season.   

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Baltimore Ravens (57% chance)

See more on the Baltimore Ravens

 

Chicago Bears @ New York Giants

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Chicago Bears lead series 33-23-2

The success of the Chicago Bears is one of the surprising storylines in the NFL this season. First-year head coach Matt Nagy has helped turn around an organization that hasn't reached the playoffs since 2010. The Bears already have three more victories than they had all of last season and are firmly in first place in the NFC North after finishing in last place last season. Their Thanksgiving Day victory over the Lions was their fifth-straight and their third divisional win in 12 days.  

Prior to Sunday's 25-22 loss to the Eagles, the Giants showed a small amount of fight, earning two-straight victories in an otherwise bleak season. Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has made headlines for his comments this season and had more choice words after the team's Week 12 loss, stating that attacking the Eagles' depleted defensive backfield “wasn't in our game plan.”

Chicago can take a step closer to clinching their first NFC North title in eight seasons with a win in New York. They hope starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is ready to go after missing last week's game, but he could be held out of Sunday's contest as well.
 

Bing Predicts Winner: Chicago Bears (66% chance)

See more on the Chicago Bears

 

New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:05 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Tennessee Titans lead series 24-19-1

The Tennessee Titans needed a victory on Monday night to keep pace in the AFC Wild Card race, but the blazing-hot Houston Texans didn't allow that to happen. Marcus Mariota was outstanding, throwing only one incompletion in the entire game (22-of-23 for 303 yards and two touchdowns), but the Titans defense surrendered 462 yards of total offense to the Texans, including a 97-yard touchdown run by Lamar Miller.

The New York Jets have lost five-straight and were beaten badly by the Patriots 27-13 on Sunday. The Jets have averaged just 11.2 points-per-game during their losing streak. Starting quarterback Sam Darnold has been sidelined the last two games with a foot injury and may not be ready to go this Sunday either, but head coach Todd Bowles said he's “getting better." It'll be veteran quarterback Josh McCown under center again if Darnold can't play.

Tennessee still has an outside shot at the playoffs, but a Week 13 victory is vital.
 

Bing Predicts Winner: Tennessee Titans (69% chance)

See more on the Tennessee Titans


 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:05 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Kansas City Chiefs lead series 63-53-2

These two AFC West rivals are meeting for the first time this season in Week 13. The Chiefs are fresh off a bye week immediately following their second loss of the season, a 54-51 shootout in Los Angeles against the Rams. The Chiefs are the first team in NFL history to score 50 points in a loss. Patrick Mahomes II continues to impress: He leads the NFL in touchdown passes (37) and is #3 in yards-per-game. The Chiefs sit in first place of the division and control their own destiny on a path to the #1 overall seed in the AFC.

On the other side of the division are the dismal Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have been even worse than the Chiefs have been impressive. Their two victories this season have them tied for the worst record in the league and in contention for the #1 draft pick next season.

A win for the Chiefs helps distance them from the Chargers, who trail by only one game in the division. As expected, the Chiefs are huge road favorites.

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Kansas City Chiefs (79% chance)

See more on the Kansas City Chiefs

 

Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:25 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: New England Patriots lead series 8-4

Minnesota grabbed a huge divisional win over Green Bay last week and moved into the first Wild Card spot in the NFC. Kirk Cousins was superb with 342 yards passing and three touchdowns, one of which went to wide receiver Adam Thielen who continues to amaze this season. He had another spectacular game Week 12 with eight receptions for 125 yards (and the touchdown). He currently leads the NFL in receptions (93) and is second in yards (1,138).

Things don't get easier for the Vikings this week as they travel to face the New England Patriots, who are still jockeying for playoff positioning in the AFC. The Patriots are currently the #2 seed, and it will likely come down to them or the Chiefs for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Tom Brady became the career-leader in total passing yards last week (79,416), taking the crown from Peyton Manning.

The question is if this Patriots team is as good as it has been in years past. Before their bye week, New England lost by 24 to the Titans who have now lost by double digits in consecutive games. The Pats also looked flat after their bye week before pulling away from the Jets and going on to win 27-13. This game is a big test for both teams.

 

Bing Predicts Winner: New England Patriots (67% chance)

See more on the New England Patriots

 

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 4:25 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Seattle Seahawks lead series 24-15

After a rocky start to the season, Seattle is right back in the thick of the playoff race. The 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers was monumental for the Seahawks' playoff chances. Russell Wilson led the Seahawks to their third game-winning drive of the season and stole what was essentially a must-win game on the road. Wilson finished with 339 yards and two touchdowns to help the Seahawks to their second-straight victory.

Their easy schedule, including their first of two games against the atrocious San Francisco 49ers, means the path to the postseason is basically in their hands. They'll be favored in all but one game (Chiefs) throughout their remaining five.

However, Seattle cannot afford to look past the Niners, who aren't playing for anything other than the #1 overall pick next season. The Seahawks have won their last nine games against the division-rival 49ers and are double-digit favorites to make it 10 in a row.

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Seattle Seahawks (75% chance)

See more on the Seattle Seahawks

 

Los Angeles Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Game time: Sunday, Dec. 2, 8:20 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers lead series 23-9

This matchup was flexed into the Sunday night prime-time slot, and good thing, because this is a game everyone should have their eyes on. The winner of this contest increases their chance at a first-round bye when January rolls around. Pittsburgh is currently leading the AFC North and holding the fourth playoff seed. With a little help, the Steelers could sneak into one of the top two positions in the AFC. Their 24-17 loss last week to Denver may prove costly, though. Pittsburgh committed four turnovers in the game, including a goal line interception thrown by Ben Roethlisberger with just over a minute remaining.

The Chargers were dominant last week in their 45-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Philip Rivers had a record-setting performance, throwing 25-consecutive completions to start the game and finishing with the highest ever completion percentage in a game (28-of-29) for a quarterback. The performance was enough to draw praise from Patriots' star quarterback Tom Brady, who said what Rivers did was “nearly impossible.”

If the season ended today, these two teams would meet in the first round of the playoffs. We may be looking at a precursor to a postseason battle.

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers (63% chance)

See more on the Pittsburgh Steelers

 

Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles

Game time: Monday, Dec. 3, 8:15 p.m. EST

Historical matchup: Washington Redskins lead series 86-75-5

The NFC East is a complete mess, and this game could clutter things up even more. If the Cowboys lose to the Saints on Thursday night, which they are expected to, and the Eagles can beat the depleted Redskins at home, all three teams will have an identical record atop the division with four games left to play.

Washington fell to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving 31-23. Washington is reeling after losing quarterback Alex Smith for the season with a broken leg. Backup quarterback Colt McCoy will finally get a full week of practice to prepare for the Eagles after being thrust into the starting role earlier this month.   

The Eagles came back from a 19-3 deficit to earn a much-needed win (25-22) against the Giants. It was a tale of two halves for Philadelphia, who yielded 346 yards to the Giants in the first two quarters, but only 56 yards and three points over the final two periods. Jake Elliott kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired to give the Eagles the win and save their season, for now.   

The best path to the playoffs for either team is to win the division, and a loss this week makes that very unlikely.

 

Bing Predicts Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (64% chance)

See more on the Philadelphia Eagles