After a new demonstration of the Bills in Foxborough, now place the rest of the NFL. Inevitably, the match that will fascinate us will be played in Cincinnati. A few months after the lost conference final, the Chiefs find the Bengals in a remake that is already making us salivate. This is THE match not to be missed this week.
Spotlight also on Sauce Gardner and Justin Jefferson, Deshaun Watson, Mike McDaniels and the ground game in the game between the Eagles and the Titans. Here is precisely the program for week 13.
The match not to be missed
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) – Kansas City Chiefs (9-2)
They are few teams to have brought down the Chiefs in the playoffs in recent seasons. Cincinnati is one of them. On January 30, the Bengals bought themselves a ticket to the Super Bowl with a victory 27-24 in the conference final. Since then, Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes have only one thing in mind: finding the playoffs, the Super Bowl and a ring. For this, they know, the path could go back through the Bengals. A team that is not particularly successful for them, because beyond this defeat in the final, Kansas City had also lost in the regular season (34-31). A constant in these confrontations: the spectacle.
Between these two behemoths of the AFC, carried by their two young quarterbacks, the rivalry begins to grow. “Joe Burrow vs. Patrick Mahomes » could well become the classic of the next few years. On Sunday, they will in any case offer us a new episode. The Cincinnati pitcher could rely on his favorite weapon, Ja’Marr Chase. The receiver, absent for four games, could be aligned. A comeback that would do good for this attack, in a meeting that could quickly turn into fireworks.
The duel: Justin Jefferson vs. Gardner Sauce
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings (9-2) – New York Jets (7-4)
Although they have only been in the league for a very short time, receiver Justin Jefferon and cornerback Sauce Gardner are already becoming benchmarks in their respective positions. The Viking are just a yard behind Tyreek Hill in the ranking of the league’s most prolific ball catchers (1232 yards against 1233). As for Gardner, he already justifies his 4th place of the last draft. This Sunday, the two men should meet head-on. We don’t know if the Jets cornerback will follow Jefferson all game, but it’s hard to imagine Robert Saleh not using this weapon against one of the most difficult receivers to master at the moment.
This duel symbolizes in any case the opposition between Minnesota and New York. Kevin O’Connell and his men have been winning games mainly thanks to their attack since the start of the season. Like their last meeting and their victory against the Patriots during Thankgsiving. In stark contrast, the defensive squad carries the Jets into 2022. And between a team that’s only lost once at home (Minnesota) and the other who has won 4 of his 5 games away from his bases (New York), difficult to say who will take over this Sunday. This meeting remains in any case as one of the most exciting of the week.
The stat: 84.5
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) – Tennessee Titans (7-4)
Here’s how many yards the Titans allow rushing per game. A total that makes them the third best defense in the league in this sector (behind San Francisco and Baltimore). A statistic that takes on its full importance when you know that Tennessee is about to face one of the franchises that best master its subject on the ground. As proof, the Eagles indeed accumulate 162.5 yards per game rushing (3rd, behind Chicago and Baltimore). This is one of their main assets when it comes to moving forward. Philadelpia also has two runners in the league’s Top 20. Miles Sanders (900 yards and 8 TDs) and Jalen Hurts (597 yards and 8 TDs).
Running their quarterback is also a priority solution when the moments become crucial. Tennessee is warned and the Titans will have to hold the shock. For now, only the Commanders have managed to thwart the Eagles by keeping them just under 100 yards (94 exactly). It won’t be easy for Mike Vrabel and his squad, but they can do it. In any case, they have no choice if they want to rediscover the taste of victory.
Player: Deshaun Watson
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Houston Texans (1-9-1) – Cleveland Browns (4-7)
He will necessarily be the attraction of the meeting (even weekend) : Deshaun Watson will find the lawns of NFL. The quarterback hasn’t played since January 3, 2021. That day, he pitched for 365 yards and 3 TDs in Houston’s loss to the Titans. Since then, he has often been in the news, rarely for sporting reasons. Now it’s time for him to play. He also refused to answer which did not concern the land. It must be said that this match is important for those who have not experienced the intensity of the NFL for more than a year and a half. Chance of the calendar, he also returns with a match against his former franchise. On the field, the opposition should be within reach of the Browns.
Cleveland regained some confidence after their victory against the Buccaneers, but the start of the season was not the most reassuring. Kevin Stefanski certainly hopes that Watson’s arrival will give this team a boost. If they still hope to aim for the playoffs, Ohio players will not have to lose many games by the end of the season. The Watson era with the Browns starts in any case this Sunday.
Coach: Mike McDaniel
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers (7-4) – Miami Dolphins (8-3)
When two division leaders clash, it is necessarily an event, especially when the opposition of style is so marked. On the one hand, San Francisco relies on its defense to win games. On the other, Miami attacks at all costs with Tua Tagovailoa and all his weapons. The question will be to know who will be the most able to impose their rhythm in this part. There is one for whom this match will be very special: Mike McDaniel. Miami’s head coach spent 5 years in San Francisco before being recruited by the Dolphins. Suffice to say that he knows his opponents of the weekend well. Their strengths and weaknesses. He will have to compete in ingenuity to succeed in breaking through this Californian wall. It’s simple, San Francisco has the best defense in the NFL with only 15.7 points conceded per game (1st) and 281.7 yards allowed (1st).
The last opponents of the 49ers in particular had a hard time scoring points against Kyle Shanahan’s men. The Rams, Chargers and Cardinals, for example, scored no points in the second period against San Francisco. For the Saints, it’s worse, they remained silent throughout the game. The challenge is therefore great for Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins, however, have arguments to make on offense. Starting with the most prolific receiver in the NFL today: Tyreek Hill (1,233 yards and 4 TDs)but also runners who know the 49ers defense very well, Raheem Mostert (543 yards and 3 TDs) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (209 yards and 2 TDs), since they are elders of the house. An abundance of weapons that makes it the third attack in the league in terms of yards (386.7/game) behind the Chiefs and Bills.
The (other) division duels
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Chicago Bears (3-9) – Green Bay Packers (4-8)
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
New York Giants (7-4) – Washington Commanders (7-5)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams (3-8) – Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders (4-7) – Los Angeles Chargers (6-5)
Kick-off in the night from Monday to Tuesday at 02:30
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) – New Orleans Saints (4-8)
After a poor week 12 in divisional duels, the NFL is catching up this weekend. The NFC will notably be honored at the four cardinal points. North first with the match between Green Bay and Chicago. The Packers have a shot to play in Illinois against a team that should again be orphaned by Justin Fields. East next for what is one of the best divisions in the NFL. Washington returns with a bang in the race for the playoffs (6 wins in 7 games) and travels to New York with the goal of getting past the Giants. Will Brian Daboll’s men manage to resist as they remain on three defeats in four games?
In the West, the Rams can’t do it this season. Sunday, they receive the Seahawks who are marking time with two consecutive “home” defeats (including one in Munich). Finally, the weekend of competition will end in the South. Despite a negative record, the Buccaneers are still first in their division. With this reception of the Saints, Tampa Bay and Tom Brady will seek the consistency essential to be present at the playoffs. In the meantime, the AFC West will still offer a match between the Raiders and the Chargers, a remake of the first match of the season, won by Los Angeles. (24-19).
The rest
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons (5-7) – Pittsburgh Steelers (4-7)
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Baltimore Ravens (5-7) – Denver Broncos (3-8)
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Detroit Lions (4-7) – Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7)
Kick-off in the night from Sunday to Monday 02:20
Dallas Cowboys (8-3) – Indianapolis Colts (4-7-1)
In the rest of the week’s games, the Falcons want to stay in the race for first place in the NFC South, despite a difficult period of 3 defeats in 4 games. For that, they will have to beat Pittsburgh which comes out of a victory during Monday Night Football. The Steelers are looking for their first two-game winning streak of the season. Still in the AFC North, Baltimore receives Denver. The Ravens disappointed against the Jaguars and now remain within firing range of the Bengals who came back to tie. Qualifying for the playoffs should not necessarily be a concern for Baltimore, but there is no doubt that John Harbaugh’s men are aiming for first place in this division.
To close this series of matches at 7 p.m., duel of big cats between the Jaguars and the Lions. After the loss at home, Detroit wants to remember the good memories of its series of three consecutive victories in the heart of November. Despite mixed results from 4 wins for 7 losses, both teams are exciting to watch and should give us a good show. Finally meet in prime time for another Cowboys game. For this Sunday Night Football, Dallas welcomes the Colts with the ambition to keep a solid ground defense.
The posters
Kick-off Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons (5-7) – Pittsburgh Steelers (4-7)
Baltimore Ravens (5-7) – Denver Broncos (3-8)
Chicago Bears (3-9) – Green Bay Packers (4-8)
Detroit Lions (4-7) – Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7)
Houston Texans (1-9-1) – Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Minnesota Vikings (9-2) – New York Jets (7-4)
New York Giants (7-4) – Washington Commanders (7-5)
Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) – Tennessee Titans (7-4)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Los Angeles Rams (3-8) – Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
San Francisco 49ers (7-4) – Miami Dolphins (8-3)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) – Kansas City Chiefs (9-2)
Las Vegas Raiders (4-7) – Los Angeles Chargers (6-5)
Kick-off in the night from Sunday to Monday 02:20
Dallas Cowboys (8-3) – Indianapolis Colts (4-7-1)
Kick-off in the night from Monday to Tuesday at 02:30
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) – New Orleans Saints (4-8)
