NFL 2023 Week 13 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. Heading into this week we have only six weeks left of regular season play left. The teams are trying to solidify their division positioning while teams are trying to make a run and get hot. Still quite a bit of season left to say who will make it past Week 18 and play January football. This post will have a playoff picture for this week, a Week 13 preview and picks, and the Early & Late TV Broadcast pairings.

NFL Playoff Picture: Week 13

With six weeks left in the regular season, the clinching scenarios aren't quite there yet but with the lesser amount of weeks mean the closer to teams getting some needed playoff spots. There could be some playoff berths clinched this week or next week. Let's take a look at the NFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)

2nd seed: San Francisco 49ers (8-3)

3rd seed: Detroit Lions (8-3)

4th seed: Atlanta Falcons (5-6)

5th seed: Dallas Cowboys (8-3)

6th seed: Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

7th seed: Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Minnesota @ San Francisco

Seattle @ Detroit

Dallas @ Atlanta

In the Hunt

Green Bay (5-6), LA Rams (5-6), New Orleans (5-6), Tampa Bay (4-7), NY Giants (4-8), Chicago (4-8), Washington (4-8), Arizona (2-10), Carolina (1-10)

Kind of competitive in the NFC more this week than the past few weeks. San Francisco is ahead of Detroit based on better conference record. Atlanta is ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head record. Green Bay is ahead of Los Angeles and New Orleans based on head-to-head (remember that the Packers beat the Rams a few weeks ago and the Packers beat the Saints earlier in the season). Let's look at the AFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Baltimore Ravens (9-3)

2nd seed: Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)

3rd seed: Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)

4th seed: Miami Dolphins (8-3)

5th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)

6th seed: Cleveland Browns (7-4)

7th seed: Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Indianapolis @ Kansas City

Cleveland @ Jacksonville

Pittsburgh @ Miami

In the Hunt

Houston (6-5), Denver (6-5), Buffalo (6-6), Las Vegas (5-7), Cincinnati (5-6), LA Chargers (4-7), Tennessee (4-7), NY Jets (4-7), New England (2-9)

A much more competitive conference than the NFC. The Colts are ahead of the Texans based on head-to-head. Indy is ahead of Denver based on better conference record. Pittsburgh is ahead of Cleveland based on better division record. Kansas City is ahead of both Miami and Jacksonville based on head-to-head record. 

Week 13 Preview

The Thirteenth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Arlington, Texas and finish up in Jacksonville, Florida. Week 13 will feature a 13-game slate where 26 teams will play. Teams on a bye this week will be the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants. Week 13 will have a Thursday night game, seven early games, three late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the single, regional game while FOX will carry the doubleheader this week. Let's get to the picks!

Week 13 Picks

Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate.

Seattle (6-5) @ Dallas (8-3) (Amazon; 8:15 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

The Seahawks lost to the 49ers and the Cowboys beat the Commanders last week. Week 13 starts with a meagerly interesting matchup on Thursday night. Seattle comes into the game with a few bad losses under its belt. After losing to the Rams and 49ers the last few weeks, the Seahawks really need to get back into playing better football. Injuries have played a part in it but the defense needs to get back to better play as well. Dallas has looked like a team that can maul people over by passing or running. Tony Pollard has turned into a true running back with speed and power. The Cowboys would have to fall off the cliff to lose this game so I'd take them. 

Atlanta (5-6) @ NY Jets (4-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Jets; CV: Jets

The Falcons beat the Saints and the Jets lost to the Dolphins last week. A doozy of a matchup. The Falcons have been a team that looks decent on paper but not quite there record-wise. The Jets were at one point a team that had won three straight games. It seems like eons ago. Both teams aren't particularly great in the passing game but have alright running games. I think the Jets can win if they can hold off on giving themselves chances to lose the football. Atlanta does tend to give up the ball as well. It just seems like a meh matchup. I'll give the Jets a shot. 

Arizona (2-10) @ Pittsburgh (7-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

The Cardinals lost to the Rams and the Steelers beat the Bengals. The Cards have been pretty terrible. At one point Kyler Murray took this team to a 10-7 record in 2021 and a playoff berth. Still the Kyler Murray of 2023 has been a mixed bag of good and bad. Arizona's growing pains stem from their defense. If there was a positive for the Cardinals is that their rush offense is top-10 in the league. Pittsburgh finally got over the hump and outgained an opponent in offensive yardage and win a game. The Steelers get it done with their running game, harkening back to the days of Rocky Blier and Franco Harris in the 1970's. Pittsburgh's defense is legit as that too reminds of those 1970's teams that won four Super Bowls. I think the Steelers with this renewed sense of vigor will spell doom to the Cardinals. 

Denver (6-5) @ Houston (6-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The Broncos beat the Browns and the Texans lost to the Jaguars last week. Denver has been playing really well. Who would've thought that the Broncos would be at 6-5 after going on a 1-5 start? I didn't seem to think so. Their defense has been improving in that stretch. That same defense that gave up 70 points to Miami mind you. Houston as well has been playing really well. CJ Stroud has to be a sure-in for the Offensive Rookie of the Year. I would be concerned for Stroud if he feels that he has to put the weight of the franchise on his shoulders. It shouldn't be all on him. I like both teams in the matchup. The passing game's should be entertaining. I would think that the Texans would win but he needs help. 

Detroit (8-3) @ New Orleans (5-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Lions; CV: Lions

The Lions lost to the Packers and the Saints lost to the Falcons last week. Detroit had been one of the better teams in the NFL prior to Thanksgiving. The Packers kind of exposed them a bit in that they were slow on offense with their defense. Even though the Lions came back and made an effort to win it, they still lost to a rival. I think the Lions will be able to rebound but they need to get out of their past selves. New Orleans has been a team that should be better on offense but somehow they aren't. Chris Olave isn't a household name because the Saints aren't a playoff team since he became a Saint. I think the Lions just seem to be a bit too much for the Saints to handle. 

Indianapolis (6-5) @ Tennessee (4-7) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts

The Colts beat the Buccaneers and the Titans beat the Panthers last week. A meh matchup in the AFC South. Indianapolis has been an interesting team to watch if you like reclamation projects and running back tandems. Gardner Minshew, the journeyman, has had an up and down season. The signing of Jonathan Taylor has provided a spark to the Colts running game while Zack Moss is a valuable back. Tennessee has a solid running back in Derrick Henry but he can only do so much. His quarterback Will Levis has been an alright player, he isn't Steve McNair but he isn't Ryan Tannehill either. If Tennessee can keep playing well in the passing game, they can get some points in this game. I do like the Colts better a bit on defense than the Titans and sometimes two valuable backs are better than the one running back. Sorry King Henry but I'll take the Colts. 

LA Chargers (4-7) @ New England (2-9) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers

The Chargers lost to the Ravens and the Patriots lost to the Giants last week. A doozy of a matchup. The Chargers have been one of the underwhelming teams in the league. They have a ton of talent yet their record speaks for itself. The defense isn't as good as years past. The offense has stayed the same. They should be able to handle against the Patriots. The real question for this matchup is that who will blow more: the Patriots offense or the Chargers defense. This season would give me the impression that the former will happen. They do have an alright running game that can put up some yardage. The question is who gets to have the opportunity to drive the Patriots offense vehicle that looks like missing a few wheels on it. I'll take the Chargers. I've seen enough. 

Miami (8-3) @ Washington (4-8) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins

The Dolphins beat the Jets and the Commanders lost to the Cowboys last week. A game of polar opposites it seems. the Dolphins offense was clicking but if there was a weakness, it would be turnovers. People might forget that Tua Tagovailoa's interception that went back for a pick-six (granted that pick-six came after the 99-yard pick-six by Miami) last week. The Dolphins need to cut back on the turnovers. Run the ball more if need be. Washington at one point this season was 2-0. Since that point, it's been tough sledding for the first year ownership group. Washington does have a special quarterback in Sam Howell. The main culprit has to be the defense and the coaching sadly. I think the Commanders will try to make it a game but I think the Dolphins will win out. 

Carolina (1-10) @ Tampa Bay (4-7) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

The Panthers lost to the Titans and the Buccaneers lost to the Colts last week. Carolina is somewhat of a revolving door when it comes to head coaches. Frank Reich became the latest victim in the David Tepper having no patience complex. They are not a great team by any stretch. If there was something that I like is that Chuba Hubbard being somewhat of an alright back. Adam Thielen is the leading receiver with 728 yards and four touchdowns. Tampa Bay has been better as they have some signs of stability in coaching and an offense. The Baker Mayfield to Mike Evans connection has been nice combo to match. Rashaad White has been a fairly decent running back. Ultimately the Buccaneers can play ball like the rest of the league but their record does tend to speak for itself. Ultimately, the Buccaneers should be able to handle the Panthers. 

Cleveland (7-4) @ LA Rams (5-6) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Browns; CV: Rams

The Browns lost to the Broncos and the Rams beat the Cardinals last week. Cleveland is a bit banged up with injuries. The latest victim is Myles Garrett sadly. They will need him to get back onto the field as quickly as possible as he's their best defensive player. On offense, the Brownies are looking a little bit rougher. PJ Walker has been an average at best, below average at worst quarterback. The Rams look like the better team in this matchup. Their offense is soundly better with wide receivers a plenty like Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. I question how good Matthew Stafford can be as he has spent some time in the injury reserve. I do think the Rams are a better team but I'll take the Brownies in a toss-up.  

San Francisco (8-3) @ Philadelphia (10-1) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

The 49ers beat the Seahawks and the Eagles beat the Bills last week. The rematch of last January's NFC championship game. Two titans of the conference set to do battle. I think both teams are overall similar to each other. If there was a difference between is that Brock Purdy isn't a hybrid quarterback and the Eagles don't have Christian McCaffrey. Philadelphia's weakness is not a top pass defense. San Francisco's weakness is shooting themselves in the foot. Turnovers and doing too much have costed the 49ers much this season, including the possibility of the #1 seed. I think the 49ers will get some measure of revenge over the Eagles. 

Kansas City (8-3) @ Green Bay (5-6) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Chiefs

The Chiefs beat the Raiders and the Packers beat the Lions last week. The Chiefs might've gotten off to a slow start last week against Las Vegas but they did finish them off in a convincing fashion. All without Taylor Swift in attendance. Green Bay looked pretty good against the Lions. They did let off the foot off the gas at the end of the game as the Lions almost came back to win it. Both teams have versatile passing games. The Packers run game is a bit rough around the edges. If the Packers want to win this game they will need to contain the Chiefs running game and cause havoc in the pocket. They have the capabilities to do it. I feel its a chance but I'll take the Packers. 

Cincinnati (5-6) @ Jacksonville (8-3) (ABC; 8:15 pm): TW: Jaguars; CV: Jaguars

The Bengals lost to the Steelers and the Jaguars beat the Texans last week. The week finishes up with a game that means a bit in the AFC playoff picture. Cincinnati comes into the game with what seems to be a lost season with Joe Burrow out for the rest of the season. While I think that the Bengals are good enough to still win games, I do think that they need to have Burrow back to have any success. Jacksonville currently holds an 8-3 record and the margin for error is small but not thin. If they wish to achieve #1 seed they will need to win out and hope for some luck. I think the Jaguars will still take it because of overall play on offense and defense. 

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings

CBS Single

Denver @ Houston

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

LA Chargers @ New England

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

Arizona @ Pittsburgh

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

Indianapolis @ Tennessee

Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan

Carolina @ Tampa Bay (Late)

Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely

FOX Early

Miami @ Washington

Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth

Atlanta @ NY Jets

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Detroit @ New Orleans

Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston

FOX Late

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olson

Cleveland @ LA Rams

Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2023: Week 13 Maps

Records

Cardinal Viking:

2023: 
Week 1: 10-6

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 13-3
Week 5: 6-8

Week 6: 9-6

Week 7: 4-9

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 6-8

Week 11: 7-7

Week 12: 9-7

Total: 100-80

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2

My record: 

2023:
Week 1: 9-7

Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 14-2

Week 5: 7-7

Week 6: 8-7

Week 7: 5-8

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 7-7

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 8-8

Total: 110-70

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 13 Recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom

NFL 2023 Week 12 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come to an end. The week that was Thanksgiving and the subsequent days afterwards were filled with football and family as well the food. The week that was featured an upset in Detroit, a

NFL Week 12 Freaky Stat

DaRon Bland's fifth pick-six in the win against Washington is the most in a single season. Pretty cool.  

NFL Week 12 Recap

Green Bay 29, Detroit 22: TW: Lions; CV: Lions
The Packers offense and Lions mistakes pave the way to a win in Detroit. Jordan Love was good in his Thanksgiving debut. He hit 22 of his 32 passes for 268 yards with three touchdown passes while rushing for 39 yards with a 37-yard run being his longest int he game. AJ Dillon would carry the load for the Packers running game with 14 carries for 43 yards. Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Tucker Craft were the players that caught the passes from Love. Jonathan Owens would get a fumble-six on a Jared Goff fumble that was originally ruled a fumble. After a replay review the referee ruled that the ruling was upheld. The Packers would get 377 total yards of offense in the game. Detroit's Ford Field was hopping and crazy at the start. Jared Goff would hit 29 of 44 passes for 332 yards with two touchdown passes Sam LaPorta and Josh Reynolds. David Montgomery would have somewhat of a feast as he rushed for 71 yards with a touchdown run on 15 carries. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 54 yards on 11 carries. The Lions would outgain the Packers with 464 total yards. The key in the game was the fact that they went 1 for 5 on 4th down conversions and would fumble three times, one for the aforementioned fumble-six by Jonathan Owens. It seemed that the Packers were ready to play. Packers, they get back to 5-6 and still in the hunt for the NFC playoffs. For the Lions, they drop to 8-3 with somewhat of a missed opportunity to keep up with the Eagles for the case of the #1 seed in the playoffs. 

Next week:
Green Bay: vs Kansas City (Sunday night)
Detroit: @ New Orleans

TW: 0-1; CV: 0-1

Washington 10, Dallas 45: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

Cowboys proceed to demolish a team with a losing record. What a shocker. Sam Howell would do lot in this one as he hit 28 of 44 passes for an even 300 yards with an interception. Howell scored the only Washington touchdown on an outside run that Howell dived into the endzone. Brian Robinson rushed for 53 yards on 15 carries. Curtis Samuel caught nine passes for 100 yards. Good day for him in an overall beat down. The Howell interception was grabbed by DaRon (apparently the R is capitalized, oops) Bland for his fifth pick six in this season. No other defensive player has that many in a single season. Washington had a chance to get back into the game but its defense let themselves down in this one as well go 0 for 3 in 4th down conversions. At one point, the score was 20-10. Washington finished the game with 376 total yards in the game. Dak Prescott was near perfect in this game as he hit 22 of 32 passes for 331 yards with four touchdowns. The touchdowns would come on a 15-yard pass to Rico Dowdle, 31-yard pass to Brandin Cooks, a 34-yard pass to Kyle Turpin and a 15-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb. Tony Pollard would join in the scoring feast with a rushing touchdown on a 7-yard run up the middle while getting 79 yards. Dallas would keep it a close game at 20-10 for the first three quarters but they would hang 25 points in the 4th quarter. They would get 431 total yards in the game. For the Commanders, they drop to 4-8 and have gone 2-8 since starting 2-0 to start the season. For the Cowboys, they move up to 8-3 on the season. 

Next week: 
Washington: vs Miami
Dallas: vs Seattle (Thursday night)

TW: 1-1; CV: 1-1

San Francisco 31, Seattle 13: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The Christian McCaffrey show came to the Emerald City. Brock Purdy would do enough to help win with his 21 of 30 passes for 209 yards with a touchdown pass to Brandon Aiyuk as well as tossed an interception. Christian McCaffrey would put the hurt on the Seahawks as he carried the ball 19 times for 114 yards for two touchdowns. Deebo Samuel got into the endzone on the 49ers first possession for a touchdown on a 2-yard play while getting 15 yards at the end of the game. Purdy's interception came on a pick-six that was grabbed by Jordyn Brooks to start the 2nd half. Nevertheless, the 49ers offense put up 377 total yards in the game. Geno Smith wouldn't do much as his team was limited. The passer completed 18 of 27 passes for 180 yards with an interception of his own. Fortunately, the pass didn't go back to the house. Zach Charbonnet was the leading rusher for the Seahawks with 47 yards on 14 carries. The offense would be without Kenneth Walker III who was inactive with an oblique injury. Other than the pick-six the Seahawks would only get two field goals from Jason Myers. Seattle finished with 220 total yards. Probably didn't help that the Seahawks were 3 for 11 on 3rd down conversions and only had the ball for 24 minutes. For the 49ers, they move up on the NFC West race and get some cushion against their rivals with an 8-3 record. For the Seahawks, the losses keep on mounting as they drop to 6-5. 

Next week:
San Francisco: @ Philadelphia
Seattle: @ Dallas (Thursday night)

TW: 2-1; CV: 2-1

Miami 34, NY Jets 13: TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins
The Hail Mary Pick-Six will live in infamy for the Jets. Tua Tagovailoa hit 21 of 30 passes for 243 yards with a touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. He would find his wife in the stands with a ball as a celebration. Tua would have his rougher moments in this game with two interceptions, one would go back to the house for a pick-six by Brandin Echols for a 30-yard score. Afterwards during a hail mary pass play, Tim Boyle would toss up a floater that would find the way to Jevon Holland. The defensive back proceeded to return the favor for a 99-yard pick-six to close out the 1st half. Poor Jets fans. Raheem Mostert would handle the load in this game as he got 20 carries for 94 yards with two touchdown runs. Jeff Wilson would get some playtime as he caught 11 carries for 56 yards. Miami would get two 100-yard receiving days with Jaylen Waddle getting 114 yards on eight catches while Tyreek Hill caught nine passes for 102 yards. The Dolphins offense was clicking on all cylinders as they got 395 yards. Tim Boyle would get the start in the game after the benching of Zach Wilson last week against Buffalo. Boyle hit 27 of 38 passes for 179 yards with a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson in the 4th quarter. He would also toss two interceptions, one of them went back to the house for the aforementioned pick-six. Breece Hall wouldn't get much on the ground as he got seven carries for 25 yards. The Jets offense was barely clicking all game other than the lone touchdown drive which happened in garbage time. They got 159 yards of offense in the game. For the Dolphins, they move up to 8-3 with the win and go into a tie with the Ravens for the best record in the AFC. For the Jets, they drop to 4-7. Boy that three-game winning streak seemed like years ago. 

Next week:
Miami: @ Washington
NY Jets: vs Atlanta

TW: 3-1; CV: 3-1

Carolina 10, Tennessee 17: TW: Titans; CV: Titans
The Derrick Henry show in the Music City. Bryce Young hit 18 of 31 passes for 194 yards but didn't toss an interception or a touchdown. Carolina's lone touchdown came on a Chuba Hubbard 5-yard run up the middle that got the Panthers to a 17-10 Titans score. Hubbard finished 45 yards rushing. Miles Sanders got 28 yards rushing on 15 carries. Carolina would get 258 total yards in the game. Will Levis hit 18 of 28 passes for 185 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. It would be Derrick Henry that did the scoring as the powerful runner got 76 yards rushing for two touchdowns while on 18 carries. Tennessee got 264 yards of total offense in the game. Bryce Young would feel the pressure as he was sacked four times for 32 yards. For the Panthers, they fall to 1-9 with their playoff hopes very small of a chance. For the Titans, they improve to 4-7 with the win. 

Next week: 
Carolina: @ Tampa Bay
Tennessee: vs Indianapolis

TW: 4-1; CV: 4-1

Jacksonville 24, Houston 21: TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The Texans comeback falls short by way of a Matt Ammendola kick off the crossbar. Trevor Lawrence hit 23 of 38 passes for 364 yards with a touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley. Trevor Lawrence would also score as a runner on a 1-yard up the middle play. Travis Etienne rushed for 56 yards on 20 carries. Jacksonville got 445 total yards in the game. CJ Stroud would fight well into the end as he hit 26 of 36 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns to Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Stroud would also see the endzone as a runner with a run to the right for a 1-yard play. He had 47 yards rushing. Nico Collins had 104 receiving yards with seven catches. Houston's final possession was a 11-play, 45-yard march that would end result in a Ammendola 58-yard field goal that would hit the crossbar for a miss. They had 352 total yards in the game. For the Jaguars, they get some measure of revenge over the Texans with a 8-3 record. For the Texans, they drop to 6-5 on the season. 

Next week:
Jacksonville: vs Cincinnati (Monday night)
Houston: vs Denver

TW: 4-2; CV: 4-2

New England 7, NY Giants 10: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
Chad Ryland's missed field goal gives the G-Men the win. Mac Jones would get the start for the Patriots and hit 12 of 21 passes for 89 yards but he would once again see ghosts as he tossed two passes that were picked off by the Giants. Bailey Zappe would get the nod af the start of the 2nd half. He wouldn't save the Patriots as he hit 9 of 14 passes for 54 yards with an interception. He did lead the team to their lone touchdown drive. Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 21 times for 98 yards with the lone offensive touchdown for the Patriots on a 7-yard run up the middle. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 46 yards on nine carries. Tommy DeVito hit 17 of 25 passes for 191 yards with a touchdown pass to Isiah Hodgins in the 2nd quarter. Saquon Barkley hit 46 yards rushing on 12 carries. Jalin Hyatt would have a good game as he caught five passes for 109 receiving yards, including a 41-yard play that was the longest in the game. Offense was a limited one as the Patriots gained 283 total yards and the Giants had 220 total yards in the game. For the Patriots, they keep on falling apart and drop to 2-9 on the season. For the Giants, they improve to 4-8 on the season. 

Next week: 
New England: vs LA Chargers
NY Giants: Bye

TW: 4-3; CV: 4-3

New Orleans 15, Atlanta 24: TW: Saints; CV: Saints

The Falcons prevail in a battle for the NFC South. Derek Carr hit 24 of 38 passes for 304 yards with an interception. Alvin Kamara rushed 15 times for 69 yards (heheh nice) in the game. Lynn Bowden Jr rushed for two times for 40 yards, including a rush that came up with a 29-yard run. Chris Olave did well in the game as he caught seven Carr passes for 114 yards while going on a 51-yard play that was the longest in the game. New Orleans somehow got 444 total yards in the game. You'd assume the Saints would get a lot more points than just the five Blake Grupe field goals. Desmond Ridder made his return after missing a few games due to injury. He wasn't quite there as he threw 13 of 21 passes for 168 yards with a touchdown but tossed two interceptions. Bijan Robinson was the player that caught the touchdown pass from Ridder for a 26-yard play while putting up 32 receiving yards. Robinson the runner got a touchdown run while racking up 91 yards rushing. Atlanta's defense would get a pick-six on a Carr pass that was hauled in by Jessie Bates III and turned it back to the house for a 92-yard return. Tyler Allgeier rushed for 64 yards on 10 carries. Atlanta would get 396 total yards with 228 of them coming on the ground. For the Saints, they drop to 5-6 with the loss and a lead in the NFC South out of reach. For the Falcons, they control the NFC South with the win with a 5-6 record. 

Next week: 
New Orleans: vs Detroit

Atlanta: @ NY Jets

TW: 4-4; CV: 4-4

Pittsburgh 16, Cincinnati 10: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

Pittsburgh's offense outgains the Bengals. Kenny Pickett would have his better games this season with a 24 of 33 pass completion performance for 278 yards. It would be his season-high for passing yards in a game. Najee Harris would do the rest as he rushed for 99 yards with a touchdown run in the 3rd quarter. Jaylen Warren would help out with 49 rushing yards on 13 carries. Pat Friermuth had a game as he caught nine passes for 120 yards with that being his career-high. Pittsburgh's offense gained 421 yards in the game in a week after they fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday. Jake Browning got the start for the Bengals after Joe Burrow is out for the rest of the season. He hit 19 of 26 passes for 227 yards with a touchdown pass to Drew Sample. Browning would toss an interception in the game. Cincy's running game wouldn't amount to much as Joe Mixon got 16 yards on eight carries. The Bengals offense got just 222 total yards of offense in the game. Pittsburgh also ended their streak of 58 games without putting up 400 total yards. For the Steelers, they improve to 7-4 on the season. For the Bengals, they drop to 5-6 on the year with the basement of the AFC North. 

Next week: 
Pittsburgh: vs Arizona
Cincinnati: @ Jacksonville (Monday night)

TW: 5-4; CV: 5-4

Tampa Bay 20, Indianapolis 27: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

The Colts running game pushes the Colts past the Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield hit 20 of 30 passes for 199 yards with two touchdown passes to Mike Evans while tossing an interception to Ronnie Harrison. Rashaad White had a solid day running the ball with 100 yards rushing on 15 carries. Tampa's offense put up 298 total yards in the game. Mayfield would play on while nursing a right ankle that was injured on the opening drive. Gardner Minshew hit 24 of 41 passes for 251 yards with an interception that was found by Carlton Davis. Minshew the runner found the endzone while getting six yards rushing. Jonathan Taylor was the force to be reckoned with as he rushed for two touchdowns on 91 yards in the game. Zach Moss got 55 yards rushing. The Colts got 394 total yards in the game. Normally the Buccaneers rush defense was the best but they would allow 5.7 yards/carry in this one. For the Buccaneers, they drop to 4-7 after starting at a 3-1 record. For the Colts, they get back to above .500 for the first time since September of this year with a 6-5 record. 

Next week: 
Tampa Bay: vs Carolina
Indianapolis: @ Tennessee

TW: 5-5; CV: 5-5

Cleveland 12, Denver 29: TW: Broncos; CV: Browns
Three fumbles help the Broncos stay hot against Cleveland. Dorian Thompson-Robinson started for the Browns and hit 14 of 29 passes for 134 yards with a touchdown to Harrison Bryant on a play to the right. He would not finish the game due to a concussion. PJ Walker would finish the game with 6 of 13 completed passes for 56 yards. Jerome Ford rushed for 65 yards with nine carries. David Njoku was the leading receiver with six catches for 59 yards. Cleveland finished with 269 yards of total offense. Cleveland's issues with this game were three fumbles that happened in the 1st, 3rd and 4th quarters. It didn't help their cause either as PJ Walker was downed in his own endzone for a safety. Worser news is that Myles Garrett suffered a left shoulder injury. Russell Wilson hit 13 of 22 passes for 134 yards with a touchdown pass to Adam Trautman. Wilson would rush into the endzone while getting 34 yards rushing for his statline. Javonte Williams would get the most carries with 18 carries for 65 yards. Samaje Perine would also score a touchdown on the ground while rushing for 55 yards. Denver would get it done with 294 total yards in the game, 169 of them being from the ground. For the Browns, they drop to 7-4 but still in the playoff hunt as a wild card. For the Broncos, they improve to 6-5 and have won five straight games. For more importance, the final score was a Scoragami for the 1,081st unique score in NFL history. 

Next week: 
Cleveland: @ LA Rams
Denver: @ Houston

TW: 6-5; CV: 5-6

LA Rams 37, Arizona 14: TW: Rams; CV: Rams

It was Matthew Stafford all the way in Arizona. Matthew Stafford hit 25 of 33 passes for 229 yards with four touchdown passes while tossing an interception. Kyren Williams and Tyler Higbee caught two touchdown passes each in the game. Stafford would toss an interception in the game but it didn't really matter at the end of the game. Kyren Williams had quite the game as he rushed for 143 yards while catching six passes for 61 yards. Royce Freeman rushed for 77 yards with a touchdown. The majority of the points that the Rams got was in the 1st half with 21 points. Los Angeles finished with 457 total yards in the game. Kyler Murray would do the scoring in this game as he hit 27 of 45 passes for 256 yards with a touchdown to Greg Dortch. Murray would also see the endzone on a two-yard rush that he fought tooth and nail to get in. James Conner had 27 yards rushing on six carries in the game. Arizona had 292 total yards in the game. For the Rams, they keep their playoff hopes alive with a 5-6 record. For the Cardinals, they become the first team in the 2023 season with double digit losses with a 2-10 record.

Next week: 
LA Rams: vs Cleveland
Arizona: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 7-5; CV: 6-6

Buffalo 34, Philadelphia 37 (F/OT): TW: Bills; CV: Eagles

Jalen Hurts called game. Josh Allen would do a lot of the grunt work in the game. The passer hit 29 of 51 passes for 339 yards with two touchdown passes to Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs but also did toss an interception in the game. Gabe Davis might've had the best shot to catch another touchdown if he turned around and looked for the ball that would've given Josh Allen his first win in overtime. Josh Allen the runner had 81 yards rushing with two touchdowns, including the touchdown that gave the Bills a 3-point lead with less than a minute in the game. Buffalo's offense did its job with 505 total yards with 332 of them being from the air game. Jalen Hurts would prove his worth in this game as well. He hit 18 of 31 passes for 200 yards with three touchdowns but also tossed an interception in the game. Devonta Smith, AJ Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus were the Eagles players that caught the passes from Hurts that turned into six points. Jalen Hurts the runner rushed for 65 yards with two touchdowns. Dandre Swift rushed for 14 yards with 80 yards in the game. The touchdown run from Hurts came on a 1st and 10 play from the Buffalo 12-yard line, Hurts would proceed to see the endzone while getting a few blocks but went untouched. Philadelphia would win the game despite being outgained while getting 378 total yards in the game. For the Bills, they drop to 6-6 with the mindset of "every game is a playoff game" mode. For the Eagles, they become the first team in the NFL with double digit wins. 

Next week: 

Buffalo: Bye
Philadelphia: vs San Francisco

TW: 7-6; CV: 7-6

Kansas City 31, Las Vegas 17: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs (only if Taylor Swift was in attendance). 

Taylor Swift wasn't in attendance sadly but Cardinal Viking didn't change his pick so I guess he wins too. Patrick Mahomes hit 27 of 34 passes for 298 yards with two touchdown passes to Rashee Rice and Justin Watson. Rashee Rice's touchdown would come on a 39-yard short pass that would go to the distance for Rice. Isiah Pacheco rushed for 55 yards for two touchdowns in the game. The Chiefs would start off slow at one point in the game with a 14-0 deficit. The Chiefs would proceed to dominate their rivals with 360 total yards. Aidan O'Connell hit 23 of 33 passes for 248 yards with a touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers for a 18-yard play that opened up the scoring in the game. Easily one of his best games of the season. Josh Jacobs rushed for 110 yards with a touchdown run. The touchdown run came on a 63-yard run that gave the Raiders a 14-0 lead. They would proceed to let the Chiefs go on a 31-3 run afterwards. Las Vegas got 358 total yards out of their offense. For the Chiefs, they rebound from the disappointing loss to the Eagles with an 8-3 record. For the Raiders, they drop to 5-7 on the season. 

Next week:
Kansas City: @ Green Bay (Sunday night)
Las Vegas: Bye

TW: 8-6; CV: 8-6

Baltimore 20, LA Chargers 10: TW: Chargers; CV: Ravens

It was a dominating performance for the Ravens. Lamar Jackson hit 18 of 32 passes for 177 yards with a touchdown pass to Zay Flowers. Zay Flowers night wasn't done as he reached the endzone on a 37-yard play that he ran for on a trick play. Keaton Mitchell rushed for 64 yards on nine carries. Lamar Jackson rushed for 39 yards rushing in the game. The Ravens would take advantage of some turnovers as the Chargers gave up the ball four times (one interception, three fumbles) in the game. Baltimore's lone blemish was a Justin Tucker field goal miss that even made the clutch kicker shocked. The Ravens offense got 361 total yards in the game. Justin Herbert hit 29 of 44 passes for 217 yards with a touchdown pass to Gerald Everett but also tossed an interception. Justin Herbert was also the leading rusher for the Chargers and got 47 yards rushing in the game. Austin Ekeler got 32 yards rushing. Keenan Allen had quite the day catching the ball as he caught 14 passes for 106 yards. With the turnovers, the Chargers finished with 279 total yards in the game. For the Ravens, they head into their bye week with a 9-3 record and have the best record in the AFC. For the Chargers, they drop to 4-7 with playoff hopes slipping away. 

Next week:
Baltimore: Bye
LA Chargers: @ New England

TW: 8-7; CV: 9-6

Chicago 12, Minnesota 10: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

A 36-yard play to DJ Moore helps the Bears to a win. Justin Fields hit 27 of 37 passes for 217 yards with no touchdowns but didn't toss an interception either. Fields would also be the Bears leading rusher with 59 yards on 12 carries. Roschon Johnson rushed for 35 yards on 10 carries. The Bears kicker Cairo Santos hit four of five field goals in the win. The pass play to DJ Moore came on a 3rd and 10 play on Minnesota's 49-yard line. It was the longest pass of the game. Chicago finished with 317 total yards in the game. Joshua Dobbs would have a game that he'd rather forget. He hit 22 of 32 passes for 185 yards with a touchdown pass to TJ Hockenson but tossed four costly interceptions. Granted the score wasn't a factor to it. However, imagine what the game would be like without them. Alexander Mattison rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries. Minnesota would put up 242 total yards of offense in the game. It wouldn't help their cause as they only converted two 3rd downs out of nine attempts and failed to convert on 4th down on two occasions. For the Bears, they get to 4-8 with a bye week in their midst. For the Vikings, they drop to back to playing .500 football with a 6-6 record. 

Next week:
Chicago: Bye
Minnesota: Bye

TW: 8-8; CV: 9-7

Records

Cardinal Viking:

2023: 
Week 1: 10-6

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 13-3
Week 5: 6-8

Week 6: 9-6

Week 7: 4-9

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 6-8

Week 11: 7-7

Week 12: 9-7

Total: 100-80

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2

My record: 

2023:
Week 1: 9-7

Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 14-2

Week 5: 7-7

Week 6: 8-7

Week 7: 5-8

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 7-7

Week 11: 11-3

Week 12: 8-8

Total: 110-70

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2

See you all on Wednesday/Thursday for the Week 12 Picks post! Enjoy your week!

-Tom

NFL 2023 Week 12 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of exciting National Football League action is coming upon us yet again! Week 12 brings forth the annual tradition of the three F's: food, family and football. The NFL will make this Thanksgiving worthwhile as they dubbed it the "John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration" in honor of the late NFL coach and TV broadcaster. In this post, I will do an NFL Thankful 2023 edition, a Week 12 playoff picture, preview and picks as well as the Early and Late TV Broadcast Pairings. A lot to talk about so let's get to work!

NFL Thankful: 2023 Edition

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up it is once again another edition of NFL Thankful. NFL Thankful is a list of what I think teams are most thankful for in the 2023 season. Here is the list!

Arizona Cardinals: Sucking for Caleb Williams might be a saving grace for Kyler Murray.

Atlanta Falcons: Still in the NFC South race and that Bijan Robinson is a worthy running back to have. 

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson's unpredictability to an opposing defense. 

Buffalo Bills: Plastic chairs and tables being spared or possibly not even being sold in Buffalo department stores. 

Carolina Panthers: You won a game. 

Chicago Bears: Aaron Rodgers not being in the NFC North anymore. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow's injury not being a career-ending injury. 

Cleveland Browns: Hopefully DeShaun Watson's injury verbiage requires him to not visit a masseuse. That defense though. 

 
Dallas Cowboys: Not the playoffs yet. 

Denver Broncos: That 70-20 loss to the Dolphins being a long, distant memory. 

Detroit Lions: Ford Field rocking out on Thanksgiving instead of it being another home stadium for the opposing team. 

Green Bay Packers: You aren't having the worst season ever in franchise history, compared to what most people think. 

Houston Texans: That CJ Stroud kid is quite fun to watch, if only the Texans can put some more people around him. 

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts being in the midst of a playoff spot. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: That Urban Meyer guy not being on the sideline anymore. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Let's be real, Patrick Mahomes and giving the Chiefs fans their 2nd Super Bowl in four seasons. 

Las Vegas Raiders: Josh McDaniels not being a head coach for your team. 

Los Angeles Chargers: Brandon Staley's hot seat getting unbearable like the Los Angeles sun. 

Los Angeles Rams: Watching 2021 Rams highlights. 

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa not being injured yet. 

Minnesota Vikings: A slow start and then a hot start to the season. 

New England Patriots: 2001 to 2019 Patriots highlight videos. 

New Orleans Saints: In the thick of a playoff race with the rest of the NFC South. 

New York Giants: Not much to be thankful for but at least you have two wins. 

New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers possibly coming back from a normally season-ending injury. 

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles Super Bowl appearance and possibly making another run. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Your team's record despite being outgained in every game thus far. 

San Francisco 49ers: Your whole team not being on the Injured Reserve. 

Seattle Seahawks: Still in the fight with a tough San Francisco 49ers team. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: In the thick of a huge division race with the Falcons and Saints. 

Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry still on your team. 

Washington Commanders: Daniel Snyder not being your owner. 

NFL Playoff Picture: Week 12

With the playoffs just seven weeks away it is time once again to look through the latest playoff picture. Not too many clinching scenarios this go around but it is fun to see what teams matchup if the playoffs start today. Let's start with the AFC. 

Seeding

1st seed: Baltimore Ravens (8-3)

2nd seed: Kansas City Chiefs (7-3)

3rd seed: Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3)

4th seed: Miami Dolphins (7-3)

5th seed: Cleveland Browns (7-3)

6th seed: Houston Texans (6-4)

7th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City

Houston @ Jacksonville

Cleveland @ Miami

In the Hunt

Buffalo (6-5), Indianapolis (5-5), Denver (5-5), Cincinnati (5-5), Las Vegas (5-6), LA Chargers (4-6), NY Jets (4-6), Tennessee (3-7), New England (2-8)

For seeding, the Chiefs are ahead of the Jaguars and Dolphins based on head-to-head. It looks like the Dolphins are behind the Jaguars based on division record. Houston is ahead of Pittsburgh based on head-to-head. The AFC is the most open conference with one team with eight wins and then four teams with seven wins. It feels like its also the most competitive as the Chiefs were knocked down a peg in their loss to the Eagles. Let's look at the NFC.

Seeding

1st seed: Philadelphia Eagles (9-1)

2nd seed: Detroit Lions (8-2)

3rd seed: San Francisco 49ers (7-3)

4th seed: New Orleans Saints (5-5)

5th seed: Dallas Cowboys (7-3)

6th seed: Seattle Seahawks (6-4)

7th seed: Minnesota Vikings (6-5)

Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups

Minnesota @ Detroit

Seattle @ San Francisco

Dallas @ New Orleans

In the Hunt

Green Bay (4-6), LA Rams (4-6), Atlanta (4-6), Tampa Bay (4-6), Washington (4-7), NY Giants (3-8), Chicago (3-8), Arizona (2-9), Carolina (1-9)

Not too many notes to the NFC. Each team in the seeding has a different record. Could there be a scenario where one of the 4-6 teams make a run and get in by the final week? Possibly. If the Rams can figure themselves out and get healthy and make a run, they could be lethal. 

Week 12 Preview

The twelfth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Detroit, Michigan and finishes up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Week 12 will have a 16-game slate where all 32 teams will play. No teams are on a bye this week. Week 12 will feature three Thursday games, a Friday game, six early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the doubleheader and FOX will have the single, regional game this week. Let's get to the picks!

Week 12 Picks

Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate.

Green Bay (4-6) @ Detroit (8-2) (FOX; 12:30 pm): TW: Lions; CV: Lions

The Packers beat the Chargers and the Lions beat the Bears last week. The Thanksgiving festivities start with a decent NFC North matchup. Green Bay comes into this game with a big win against the Chargers where their offense did enough to win. It feels like the Packers can be a team where they shoot themselves in the foot a bit more than needed. Their offense protected the ball and it feels like that should be their formula from now on. Detroit will have the Lions faithful rocking in Ford Field in a Thanksgiving game. It feels like a long time that the Lions fans have their team leading the division on Thanksgiving. The Lions in general have one of the better offenses in the league. They did commit a lot of turnovers against the Bears which needs to clean up. I think the Lions are the better team. Ironic in that the Lions 8-2 record is their best since 1962 (that team beat the undefeated Packers on Thanksgiving). 

Washington (4-7) @ Dallas (7-3) (CBS; 4:30 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

The Commanders lost to the Giants and the Cowboys beat the Panthers last week. The sleeper game features a classic NFC East battle as Washington-Dallas renews their rivalry. As the tryptophan works your system you will either see a shootout or Dallas just dominating the Commanders. Washington's offense is good as Sam Howell is one of the passing yards leaders in the NFC. Their defense is not as good but neither is the offense's ball protection. Just don't throw the ball to Daron Bland who might turn it into a pick-six. Dallas outside of a few bad losses, their offense is just on fire. Dallas has somewhat dominated their rivals so I will take the Cowboys. 

San Francisco (7-3) @ Seattle (6-4) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The Niners beat the Buccaneers and the Seahawks lost to the Rams last week. While the food is digesting and/or while you are shopping there is this matchup of lesser magnitude in the NFC West. San Francisco seems to finally get out of their funk during that three-game losing streak. Seattle seems to be regressing a fair bit. The rivalry might be diminished but the implications on the NFC playoff picture could be huge. San Francisco seems to be the better team in both sides of the ball. Seattle has seemed to lose a bit of confidence as their defense isn't as good this year compared to past years. I think the 49ers will be a bit too much for the Seahawks. 

Miami (7-3) @ NY Jets (4-6) (Amazon; 3:00 pm): TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins

The Dolphins beat the Raiders and the Jets lost to the Bills last week. While you are breaking the bank during those Black Friday shopping deals, there's this piece of AFC East goodness. Miami's offense will face off against one of the better defenses in the NFL. The kind of defense that wished that they could play offense as well. In the aspect of the Dolphins defense vs Jets offense, I'd say that the Dolphins would take it. Zach Wilson got benched last week in the loss to Buffalo and I honestly don't know who could possibly take the reins at quarterback for the J-E-T-S. Maybe Tim Boyle but perhaps the man himself... Mike Whi... oh right he's with the Dolphins. Yeah sorry Jets fans but I'll take the Dolphins. 

Carolina (1-9) @ Tennessee (3-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Titans; CV: Titans

The Panthers lost to the Cowboys and the Titans lost to the Jaguars last week. The Panthers record is what it is and it seems appropriate for them. They can't really stop people and they aren't making noise either. The Panthers offense has some alright pieces but they should build the offensive line. Otherwise it is a situation that Bryce Young will have to endure for the rest of this season. Tennessee is sort of the same deal but they do have at least a better offense, at least on the running back side. Derrick Henry has had a bit of a diminished season but that doesn't mean that the opposing team should not ignore him. I think the Titans should be able to take the game as if they lose to the Panthers then they should just give up on the season. 

Jacksonville (7-3) @ Houston (6-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Texans; CV: Texans
The Jaguars beat the Titans and the Texans beat the Cardinals last week. A big AFC South matchup this late in the season. I never thought I'd say that. Let's be frank the AFC South was usually the rougher division to like. Jacksonville and Houston will get to face each other for the 2nd time. The last time these two teams played, it was a 37-17 win for the Texans. The Jaguars didn't know what hit them. Things have somewhat changed since that Week 3 game. Both teams possess two good pass offenses and similar numbers from the ground. I think it could be down to which quarterback gives up the ball a bit more. Recently it has been Trevor Lawrence with that moniker. I think the game is a toss-up but I'll take the Texans. 

New England (2-8) @ NY Giants (3-8) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Patriots had a bye and the Giants beat the Commanders last week. Oh boy what a doozy of a game. If you like watching offense you might want to skip this game. Mac Jones has reverted back even more despite the fact that Bill O'Brien was brought in to make the quarterback better. I hate to say that the kid is at a low for confidence. New England needs to get someone else in there with the chance to win. The Giants as well have some trouble at quarterback of their own but the emergence of Tommy DeVito as the Giants starter could be alright for Giants fans to relax a bit. I'm going into this game with the feeling that the Pats will go with someone other than Mac Jones. A breath of fresh air in the locker room can give somewhat of a boost to a beleaguered Patriots squad. The Giants could win in a convincing way but I'll go with a gut feeling. 

New Orleans (5-5) @ Atlanta (4-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Saints; CV: Saints

The Saints had a bye and the Falcons had a bye as well. An intriguing matchup in the NFC South. Currently the Saints hold the top spot in the division but the room for error is small. If the Falcons win this game they would hold the top spot due to head-to-head. I feel the Saints offense should be a lot better than they are currently showing. The health of their quarterbacks has been a factor in it. Jameis Winston would likely get the start in this game. The book on him is somewhat out on him this year. In past seasons he can get you three touchdowns in a game but he will also toss three interceptions in a game as well. Atlanta is a similar team with the Saints. Their offense is kind of similar to the Saints. Heck, both teams look really the mirror image of each other. I'll go on a whim and take a chance on the Saints. 

Pittsburgh (6-4) @ Cincinnati (5-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

The Steelers lost to the Browns and the Bengals lost to the Ravens last week. Pittsburgh missed a chance to really take a hold of the division but they played a rough game offensively against Cleveland. Their offense has been Jaylen Warren and not much else. Yet somehow the Steelers are keeping offensive coordinator Matt Canada on the staff. Cincinnati's season took a huge hit as Joe Burrow is lost to the season with an injury to his throwing hand. If the Bengals want to get anywhere, they will need to lean and carry the load while Jake Browning handles the reins of the offense. He has some help but they have to give him the help. I feel the Steelers will have their best shot to keep up with the AFC North with a win. If they don't win, they might have to think about cleaning the house a bit. 

Tampa Bay (4-6) @ Indianapolis (5-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers lost to the 49ers and the Colts had a bye last week. Tampa has been an interesting team in 2023. They can win in close fashion and then lose in big fashion. The offense has done it's job somewhat while the defense is somewhat lacking. They really should try to run the ball a bit more to have success. Indy's rush defense gives up 129.7 yards/game on the ground. Just saying Tampa. Indianapolis possesses a good running game as well as they have the tandem of Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor. If they can better production from the air with Gardner Minshew they could be a dangerous team to get in the playoffs. Personally I like the Bucs in the matchup but the Colts could make a case to get it done as well. I'll take the Bucs. 

Cleveland (7-3) @ Denver (5-5) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Broncos; CV: Browns
The Browns beat the Steelers and the Broncos beat the Vikings last week. A matchup between two teams that are having some measure of success in different ways. The Browns are 7-3 for the 2nd time in four seasons while the Broncos have won four straight games. Cleveland will need to lean more on their defense more than ever. I like the Browns running game but the passing game is not quite as marvelous. Denver has finally found themselves in the midst of winning four straight games. I am not sure how they do it but they've done it with some decent defense and some luck on offense. I am not saying that Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the next great thing but he's going to need to play like it. I don't like the Browns chances in this one. I'll take the Broncos. 

LA Rams (4-6) @ Arizona (2-9) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Rams beat the Seahawks and the Cardinals lost to the Texans last week. A matchup where both team's quarterbacks have had some measure of injury this season. Matthew Stafford has been a former shell of his self in 2023 but if he can keep getting better and lead the Rams to wins, they could be a sneaky team. Arizona has had a rough season but at least they have somewhat of a positive force in Kyler Murray playing for them in 2023. Ultimately he gives the Cardinals the best chance to win but the cast around him isn't particularly great. Matthew Stafford's cast is pretty good. You can guess my pick. 

Buffalo (6-5) @ Philadelphia (9-1) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Eagles
The Bills beat the Jets and the Eagles beat the Chiefs last week. Both teams coming off big wins last week. Buffalo got off their snide on offense and produced a lot of points against a hapless Jets team. What they face this week is not the Jets by any stretch. Philly got some measure of revenge against the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. They have to have some measure of confidence that they are the best team in the NFL. I wouldn't underestimate the Bills as they have quite a few weapons on offense that can keep Jalen Hurts off the field and play physical football on offense. Keeping Hurts on the sideline is the best chance of the Bills achieving a win. I'll go with the Bills in an upset. 

Kansas City (7-3) @ Las Vegas (5-6) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs (only if Taylor Swift is there)

The Chiefs lost to the Eagles and the Raiders lost to the Dolphins last week. Mistakes were abound and reared their ugly heads last week in the Chiefs loss to the Eagles. Turnovers, dropped passes and not sustaining drives were the issues with the Chiefs last week and well into this season. They will need to get it ironed out before they play their biggest rivals on the road. Las Vegas had been one of the worst teams on offense prior to the firing of Josh McDaniels. Since his firing the Raiders are 2-1 with the only loss coming on a 7-point loss to Miami. So it wasn't that big of a loss but in this late of the season, wins are important. Aidan O'Connell, the Raiders quarterback, will need to continue his progression and try to handle the beast of a Chiefs defense that is ranked 4th in overall defense. I still think the Chiefs will rebound and at least put forth some effort to whopping their rivals. 

Baltimore (8-3) @ LA Chargers (4-6) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Ravens

The Ravens beat the Bengals and the Chargers lost to the Packers. Baltimore is going to be rested in this game. It helps when you have played last Thursday. Baltimore currently holds the #1 seed and if they play things right they can continue that path. Baltimore has gotten it done with a solid running game with many reliable backs. Los Angeles has been a complete opposite of a team. Their offense can put up points like any other team. Their defense is just not that good. The Little Giants could put up points on the Chargers defense. I feel the skid will have to end but they need to really do well on defense and keep the Ravens offense off the field. I'll go on a whim and take the Chargers. 

Chicago (3-8) @ Minnesota (6-5) (ABC/ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

The Bears lost to the Lions and the Vikings lost to the Broncos last week. The Bears-Vikings rivalry renews on Monday night. The Bears nearly beat the Lions in one of the biggest upsets in the season. Unfortunately nearly doesn't cut it. The Bears defense kind of reared its ugly head as they let the Lions score points in the last four minutes of the game. Minnesota had one of the longest winning streaks in the season but unfortunately fell off a bit against Denver. The Josh Dobbs story is a nice one to see. At least Kirk Cousin's record on Monday night isn't in jeopardy. He can't lose a game on Monday night if he's not playing. Smart. I like the Vikings in the matchup. They can rebound. 

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings

CBS Early

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Jacksonville @ Houston

Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan

Tampa Bay @ Indianapolis

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

CBS Late

Buffalo @ Philadelphia

Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Kansas City @ Las Vegas

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

FOX Single

New Orleans @ Atlanta

Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston

New England @ NY Giants

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Carolina @ Tennessee

Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth

Cleveland @ Denver (Late)
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

LA Rams @ Arizona (Late)

Chris Myers, Robert Smith

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2023: Week 12 Maps

Records

Cardinal Viking:

2023: 
Week 1: 10-6

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 13-3
Week 5: 6-8

Week 6: 9-6

Week 7: 4-9

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 6-8

Week 11: 7-7

Total: 91-73

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2

My record: 

2023:
Week 1: 9-7

Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 14-2

Week 5: 7-7

Week 6: 8-7

Week 7: 5-8

Week 8: 10-6

Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 7-7

Week 11: 11-3

Total: 102-62

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 12 Recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom