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HomeLocalWeek 13 NFL: Bold Predictions for Surprising Player and Team Performances

Week 13 NFL: Bold Predictions for Surprising Player and Team Performances

 

 

NFL Week 13 Predictions: Which Players and Teams Will Shine?


The NFL’s Thanksgiving games have concluded, but the upcoming Week 13 matchups are far from ordinary.

 

The three games played on Thursday may not have delivered memorable moments, but the weekend’s schedule offers exciting matchups. The highlight is a clash between the league’s top offense, the Baltimore Ravens, and the top defense, the Philadelphia Eagles. This game also features a battle between the league’s leading running backs, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. With the playoff standings still evolving, many other intriguing games await fans.

Here are some bold predictions for Week 13 from the NFL writers and editors at YSL News Sports:

Up Next: Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill Will Combine for 300 Yards Against the Rams

Following an astonishing performance by Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards and totaled 302 yards from scrimmage, the Rams’ run defense plummeted ten spots to 28th in the league. They now head to the Superdome, where they must face the potent duo of Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. If Barkley can achieve over 300 yards, just imagine what the well-rested Saints stars could do after a bye week. I predict their total yards from scrimmage to be around 300. New Orleans, looking for a third straight win under interim coach Darren Rizzo, knows how to effectively utilize Kamara and Hill. During Week 11’s victory over the Browns, Hill, technically a tight end, rushed for a record-high 138 yards on just seven carries, scoring 3 touchdowns. Not only does he run, but he also throws and catches, making him one of the league’s best short-yardage options. Kamara, a versatile threat out of the backfield, is averaging 111.3 yards from scrimmage per game and is due for a touchdown, having gone five games without one. The challenge will not be easy for a unit led by Chris Shula that had one of the worst performances of the season.

— Jarrett Bell

 

Neither Saquon Barkley nor Derrick Henry Will Surpass 100 Yards

The standout matchup this week is the Ravens against the Eagles, showcasing their star running backs. Saquon Barkley is leading the league in rushing yards (1,392), while Derrick Henry follows closely with 1,325 yards. Both are coming off impressive performances on the West Coast and have had slightly shortened weeks to prepare (the Eagles played Sunday night, while the Ravens played Monday).

 

Despite the excitement surrounding their matchup on Sunday, both players will likely finish under 100 rushing yards. Henry has surpassed the 100-yard mark in six of his twelve games, while Barkley has reached it in all but three games, only failing to do so once since Week 6.

If both fall short of the century mark, it would not only be surprising but also indicative of strong defensive efforts focused on stopping the run, even with QBs Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts in play.

 

— Chris Bumbaca

Steelers Will Concede 30 Points, Suffer Second Consecutive Defeat

The Bengals face a crucial game on Sunday, fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 4-7 record. They hold the leading passing offense in the league, with Joe Burrow ranking third in passing yards, while Ja’Marr Chase leads in receiving yards and touchdown receptions.

Cincinnati’s effective passing game will pose significant challenges for the Steelers, as the Bengals desperately seek a much-needed win. I predict Chase and Tee Higgins will combine for over 225 receiving yards and two touchdowns. For the first time this season, the Steelers’ defense will allow 30 points, resulting in their second consecutive loss against an AFC North rival.

 

— Tyler Dragon

Falcons Break the Streak, Score 30 Points Against the Chargers

Despite allowing 30 points to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers are still regarded as the NFL’s best defense in terms of points allowed (15.9 per game). However, recent performances suggest they may have benefitted from easier early-season matchups, and their latest game indicated they struggle against top-tier offenses. Now they face a trip east for an early game on a short week. Meanwhile, the Falcons are coming off a bye and are eager to stop a two-game losing streak. Atlanta’s recent challenges include being stifled by a potent defense in the Denver Broncos, but they now have a great chance for Bijan Robinson to shine against a team that just gave up 212 rushing yards and might be missing linebacker Denzel Perryman due to a groin issue.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz