Week 13 NFL Picks: Best Bets, Upset of the Week, and Game of the Week

Week 13 of the NFL Schedule has some big matchups with even bigger playoff implications. Last week saw its ups and downs, and we can expect some of the same this week as teams continue to adjust their rosters in order to place themselves in the best position possible--at the end of the day, everyone's gunning for that Super Bowl trophy. Here are some of my best bets for this week, and how I see some of the biggest games of Week 13 playing out:

Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints (+4.5)

When: Thursday, December 2nd at 8:20 PM ET (FOX)

After testing positive for COVID-19, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will be absent for this week's game, and will be leaving his team in the hands of former Giants Head Coach Ben Mcadoo. All in all, the Cowboys should still be able to perform without their Head Coach. The Saints also come into this game with some on-the-field injuries, with Running Back Alvin Kamara as well as three of their five offensive linemen sitting out this week. Returning from injury is Taysom Hill, who will be expected to start under center.

Although the Cowboy's defense was carved up by the Raiders last week, you can expect them to shut down the newly healthy Hill, seeing as he isn't the best passer in the world. Add on the fact that the Cowboys will have CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper back to help out Dak Prescott, and the Cowboys are in a great position to win this game.

The Cowboys will get it done, but it'll be close.

Prediction: Cowboys 27--Saints 23 (Saints +4.5)

New York Giants at Miami Dolphins (-4.5)

When: Sunday, December 5th at 1 PM ET (FOX)

The Dolphins come into this game as the hotter team (cruising on a four-game winning streak) but the Giants are just as in the playoff race as the Dolphins are. A lot of this game comes down to the play of the Quarterbacks. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has really settled down and has been playing well recently, and the Dolphins Defense has been helping him out in the past weeks, really stepping up their play. Giants QB Daniel Jones really needs to step it up this week if he wants to give the Giants a chance at winning and remain relevant in the playoff picture.

At the end of the day, I believe the Miami pass rush will be too much for the Giants to handle, and it'll be the main factor in this game.

Prediction: Dolphins 23--Giants 17 (Dolphins -4.5)

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets (+7)

When: Sunday, December 5th at 1 PM ET (CBS, Paramount)

Just one week after the Eagles lost to the Giants in the same exact stadium, they will be staying in New York and taking on the Jets--who are off of a huge road win against the Texans. The Eagles offense was nowhere to be seen last week, while the Jets actually showed some like for the first time in a long time. I think the Jets will be able to give up a fight, but the Eagles will be able to win it late.

Prediction: Eagles 21--Jets 19 (Jets +7)

Lock of the Week: Jacksonville Jaguars at Los Angeles Rams (-13)

When: Sunday, December 5th at 4:05 PM ET (FOX)

The Rams find themselves coming off of a three-game losing streak, and considering the talent they have and Coach Sean McVay's leadership, it'll almost definitely end here. Former Jaguar, Jalen Ramsey, will faceoff against his old teammates and do his best to haunt rookie QB Trevor Lawrence, who already has Aaron Donald and Von Miller to deal with. This will be a great chance for the Rams to snap their streak of poor play, and may even be able to rely on their running game rather than their passing game. 

Prediction: Rams 31--Jaguars 10 (Rams -13)

Upset of the Week: Washington Football Team vs Las Vegas Raiders (-2.5)

When: Sunday, December 5th at 4:05 PM ET (FOX)

The Washington Football team have shown some real glimpses of offensive prowess recently, and despite some early hiccups and absences on defense, they're starting to turn things around on that side of the ball as well. On the other hand, the Raiders are coming off of what could be the best win of their season against the Dallas Cowboys, but the question remains: can they build off of that, and maintain their winning form? I don't think so, so I'll be taking the Football Team in my upset of the week.

Prediction: Washington 27--Las Vegas 20 (Washington +2.5)

Game of the Week: Patriots at Bills (-2.5)

When: Monday, December 6th at 8:15 PM ET (ESPN)

Week 13 ends with bang, as two AFC East rivals face off on Monday Night Football. This game has huge playoff implications, as the Bills trail the Patriots by just one game in the AFC East. 

Mac Jones faces his toughest challenge to date as a rookie QB in this matchup against the Bills. He will be in enemy territory, in the Buffalo cold, with first place on the line--and throw in the top-notch Bills defense and you have yourself a nightmare on your hands. The Patriots defense will have a hard time too, seeing as they have to deal with dual-threat quarterback Josh Allen. 

This will be a very tactical game for both sides, where I expect little to no rushing success for either team. Josh Allen will be the difference maker though, in a game that stays close deep into the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Bills 23--Patriots 19 (Bills -2.5)

If you find yourself watching any of this week's games and wanting to get in on the action, click HERE to learn some great live NFL betting tips from our NFL expert!