NFL 2023 Week 13 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come to an end. Week 13 brought us some crazy storylines. Such storylines like Dallas pulling off a win against Seattle, an ugly game in Foxborough, an upset in Pittsburgh, and an overtime thriller in Tennessee. All those games and more in this week's recap post!

NFL Week 13 Freaky Stat

Dallas hasn't lost at home since Week 1 of the 2022 season against Tampa Bay. Mike Evans joins only Jerry Rice as the only players to string together 10 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. 

NFL Week 13 Recap

Seattle 35, Dallas 41: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

Geno Smith and Dak Prescott fired off in Big D. Geno Smith was solid in this game as he hit 23 of 41 passes for 334 yards with three touchdown passes to DK Metcalf but also tossed an interception in the game. Metcalf's touchdowns went for 73, 1 and 5 yards. The 73-yard touchdown was Seattle's first in the game. Geno Smith would rush into the endzone for a touchdown. Zach Charbonnet finished the game with 60 yards rushing with a trip to the endzone. DK Metcalf was a force to be reckoned with as he caught just six passes for 134 yards receiving. Just crazy that three of those catches went for touchdowns. Seattle finished with 406 total yards of offense. Dak Prescott had similar numbers as he hit 29 of 41 passes for 299 yards with three touchdowns. Of the players that caught those passes were CeeDee Lamb for 15 yards, Brandin Cooks for 7 yards, and Jake Ferguson for 12 yards. Tony Pollard had similar numbers to his counterpart but he rushed for 68 yards with a touchdown run. CeeDee Lamb had a good day catching passes as he caught 12 passes for 116 yards. Brandon Aubrey was utilized a lot in this game as he kicked four field goals.Tidbits of this game would remark of the fact that both teams combined for 19 flags for 257 yards with a good portion of them being defensive pass interference penalties. For the Seahawks, they drop to .500 football with a 6-6 mark, losing three straight games. For the Cowboys, they get their first win against a team with a winning record at a mark of 9-3.

Next week: 
Seattle: @ San Francisco

Dallas: vs Philadelphia (Sunday night)

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Atlanta 13, NY Jets 8: TW: Jets; CV: Jets

Ugly game in East Rutherford. Desmond Ridder hit 12 of 27 passes for 121 yards with a touchdown pass to Mycole Pruitt. It would be the only touchdown in the game for either team. Bijan Robinson got 53 yards rushing on 18 carries. He would get sacked in his own endzone for a safety by Quinnen Williams. Tyler Allgeier rushed for 26 yards on eight carries. Atlanta got 194 total yards in the game. Tim Boyle got the start for the Jets but wouldn't amount to much as he hit 14 of 25 passes for 148 yards with a terrible pass thrown for an interception. Trevor Siemian got some playtime as he hit 5 of 13 passes for 66 yards. Dalvin Cook rushed nine times for 35 yards. New York somehow got more yardage in this game than the Falcons with 259 total yards for Gang Green. Greg Zuerlein hit two field goals in the game. For the Falcons, they improve to 6-6 with sole possession of the NFC South with the Saints loss. For the Jets, they drop to 4-8 with smaller hopes of getting into the playoffs. 

Next week:

Atlanta: vs Tampa Bay
NY Jets: vs Houston

TW: 1-1; CV: 1-1

Arizona 24, Pittsburgh 10: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

James Conner makes his return to Pittsburgh and doesn't disappoint. Kyler Murray hit 13 of 23 passes for 145 yards with a touchdown pass Trey McBride. James Conner rushed for 105 yards with two touchdowns. It was his first game back in Pittsburgh since they let him go in 2021. Arizona got 282 total yards in the game. The key to the win was limiting penalties and converting 3rd down tries as the Cardinals converted 10 of 17 times on that down as well as only were flagged six times for 51 yards. Kenny Pickett would get the start and looked solid as he hit 7 of 10 passes for 70 yards. He would leave the game with an ankle injury. Mitchell Trubisky came in relief and hit 11 of 17 passes for 117 yards with a touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson. Pittsburgh's running game wouldn't amount too much in the game. Najee Harris got most of the carries with 16 carries for 63 yards. Jaylen Warren the underrated back got 59 yards rushing on nine carries. Pittsburgh got 317 total yards in the game. The game would have two delays in the game as there was inclement weather and lightning in the area. For the Cardinals, they get their 3rd win of the season while at 3-10. For the Steelers, they fail to solidify some playoff positioning and drop to 7-5. 

Next week:
Arizona: Bye
Pittsburgh: vs New England (Thursday night)

TW: 1-2; CV: 1-2

Denver 17, Houston 22: TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The Broncos five-game winning streak ends in Houston. Russell Wilson would have a rough game. The quarterback hit 15 of 26 passes for 186 yards with a touchdown pass but also tossed three interceptions. Have to think what this game would be like without those interceptions. Cortland Sutton was the Bronco that caught the pass from Wilson. The play was from a 45-yard deep pass to Sutton that would catch the Texans sleeping. Javonte Williams rushed for 46 yards on 13 carries. Russell Wilson rushed for 44 yards with a touchdown run that would cut the lead down to a 22-17 score. Denver's offense would not do well on 3rd down as they were 0 for 11 on 3rd down conversions. CJ Stroud hit 16 of 27 passes for 274 yards with a touchdown pass to Nico Collins. Dameon Pierce rushed for 41 yards with a touchdown run. Nico Collins had a solid game as he caught nine passes for 191 yards. For total yards, the Broncos had 282 yards and the Texans had 353 total yards. Despite the turnovers the Broncos only lost by five points. For the Broncos, they drop to 6-6 as their five-game winning streak ends. For the Texans, they improve to 7-5 and stay pace in the AFC playoff picture. 

Next week:
Denver: @ LA Chargers
Houston: @ NY Jets

TW: 2-2; CV: 2-2

Detroit 33, New Orleans 28: TW: Lions; CV: Lions

Offense abound in the Big Easy. Jared Goff hit 16 of 25 passes for 213 yards with two touchdowns. Sam LaPorta and AmonRa St. Brown were the Lions that caught the passes from Goff. David Montgomery rushed for 56 yards with a touchdown run. Jamaal Williams would get a carry of 19 yards that would get a touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs got 60 yards rushing for the Lions. Detroit's offense got 347 total yards. Derek Carr would have an alright game as the passer hit 17 of 22 passes for 226 yards with a touchdown but also tossed an interception. Jimmy Graham was the Saint that caught the pass (yeah that Jimmy Graham). New Orleans rush offense would do the rest of the scoring. Taysom Hill carried the ball 13 times for 59 yards with a touchdown. Alvin Kamara would come alive in the game as he got 51 yards and two touchdowns. New Orleans would outgain the Lions in yards as they had 362 yards. A big thing that affected the Saints in the loss was six penalties for 50 yards and fumbling the ball. For the Lions, they improve to 9-3 and keeping an eye on the 49ers-Eagles game. For the Saints, they drop to 5-7 on the season with a missed opportunity to get back into the NFC South picture. 

Next week: 

Detroit: @ Chicago

New Orleans: vs Carolina

TW: 3-2; CV: 3-2

Indianapolis 31, Tennessee 28 (F/OT): TW: Colts; CV: Colts

The Colts take care of business in the Music City despite a good performance for Derrick Henry. Gardner Minshew hit 26 of 42 passes for 312 yards with two touchdown passes. Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce were the players that caught those passes from Minshew. Zack Moss rushed 19 times for 51 yards in the game. Jonathan Taylor didn't play in the game due to a thumb injury. The game-winner came on a Minshew to Pittman connection for a 4-yard play. The Titans hit a field goal in their prior possession in overtime. Pittman had 11 catches for 105 yards while Alec Pierce had three catches for 100 yards, including a 55-yard play. Indianapolis had 355 total yards in the game. The Colts special teams got a punt block six as Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse's punt was blocked and recovered by Grant Stuart. Will Levis wouldn't do great but not terrible either. He hit 16 of 33 passes for 224 yards with a touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins. Derrick Henry had quite the game as he carried the ball 21 times for 102 yards with two touchdowns. Tyjae Spears got 75 yards rushing on 16 carries. For the Colts, they help solidify their positioning in the AFC Wild Card with a 7-5 record. For the Titans, they drop to 4-8 on the season. 

Next week:
Indianapolis: @ Cincinnati

Tennessee: @ Miami (Monday night)

TW: 4-2; CV: 4-2

LA Chargers 6, New England 0: TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers

Rain and a baseball score in Foxborough. Justin Herbert hit 22 of 37 passes for 212 yards. Keenan Allen caught five passes for 58 yards. Austin Ekeler rushed for 18 yards on 14 carries so at least the Patriots defense could limit that. Los Angeles offense wouldn't amount to much but they did get 241 total yards in the game. The Chargers points came from Cameron Dicker's two field goals. Bailey Zappe would get the start for the first time this season. The quarterback hit 13 of 25 passes for 141 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 39 yards on nine carries before he left the game with a leg injury. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 52 yards on 17 carries. The lone big play for New England came on a Tyquan Thornton 39-yard play. New England's offense got 257 total yards but sadly wouldn't get points in this game. For the Chargers, they improve to 5-7, ending a three-game losing streak, staying alive in the AFC Wild Card. For the Patriots, they drop to 2-10 as they now have double-digit losses for the first time since 2000. 

Next week:
LA Chargers: vs Denver

New England: @ Pittsburgh (Thursday night)

TW: 5-2; CV: 5-2

Miami 45, Washington 15: TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins

Miami takes care of business against the Commanders. Tua Tagovailoa hit 18 of 24 passes for 280 yards with two touchdown passes. The two touchdowns went to his favorite target Tyreek Hill. Hill finished with five catches for 157 yards with a 78-yard play being the longest in the game. D'Evon Achane rushed for 73 yards with two touchdowns. Raheem Mostert rushed for 43 yards with a touchdown. Miami finished with 406 total yards in the game. Sam Howell hit 12 of 23 passes for 127 yards with an interception. Howell the runner scored two touchdowns while rushing for 21 yards. Brian Robinson got 53 yards rushing while running for a 29-yard gain on a play. Washington wouldn't have much of an offense in the game as they got to 245 yards. Pass protection would be a factor in the game as Howell was sacked three times for 20 yards. For the Dolphins, they improve to 9-3 as they tie with the Ravens for the best record in the AFC. For the Commanders, they drop to 4-9 as the 2-0 start they had earlier this season seems like a distant memory. The 45-15 score was also a Scorigami! 

Next week: 
Miami: vs Tennessee (Monday night)
Washington: Bye

TW: 6-2; CV: 6-2

Carolina 18, Tampa Bay 21: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

Carolina can't pull off the win in Tampa. Bryce Young hit 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards with an interception. The interception would come with two minutes left in the game. So it hurt. Chuba Hubbard would put together quite a game as he carried the ball 25 times for 104 yards with two touchdowns. Carolina would put together some decent drives but finished with 282 total yards. Baker Mayfield hit 14 of 29 passes for 202 yards with a touchdown pass to Mike Evans that went for 75 yards. Mayfield would also toss an interception in the game. Rashaad White rushed for 84 yards with a touchdown. Chris Godwin would play running back for a play that yielded in a 19-yard touchdown that would be the Buccaneers third touchdown in the game. Tampa Bay finished with 322 total yards in the game. Carolina dominated the time of possession category but it wouldn't translate to a win. For the Panthers, they drop to 1-11 a week after firing head coach Frank Reich. For the Buccaneers, it is a much needed win as they are a game back in the NFC South leading Falcons. 

Next week:
Carolina: @ New Orleans
Tampa Bay: @ Atlanta

TW: 7-2; CV: 7-2

Cleveland 19, LA Rams 36: TW: Browns; CV: Rams

Rams prove to be too much for the Browns. Joe Flacco got the start for the Browns after signing with them a week ago. The former Raven hit 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards with two touchdown passes but also tossed an interception. Jerome Ford and Harrison Bryant were the Browns players that caught those passes Kareem Hunt rushed 48 yards on 12 carries. Cleveland finished the game with 327 total yards in the game. Not too bad for a player that was on his couch a few weeks ago. Matthew Stafford was good in the game. The passer hit 22 of 37 passes for 279 yards with three touchdown passes to Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson. Nacua would have four catches for 105 yards in an impressive rookie season. Kyren Williams rushed for 88 yards with a touchdown. The Rams finished the game with 399 total yards in this game. Despite the score, the Browns would have the ball for 34:03 while the Rams had the ball for 25:57. For the Browns, they drop to 7-5 but still have a playoff spot. For the Rams, they improve to 6-6 and have won three straight games and are on a run for a playoff spot. 

Next week: 
Cleveland: vs Jacksonville
LA Rams: @ Baltimore

TW: 7-3; CV: 8-2

San Francisco 42, Philadelphia 19: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

Brock Purdy and the 49ers take down Philly in a revenge game. The Niners passer had a solid game as he hit 19 of 27 passes for 314 yards with four touchdowns. Deebo Samuel had two touchdowns while Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings caught one each of the Purdy passes. Christian McCaffrey finished the game with 93 yards rushing with a touchdown. Deebo Samuel scored a touchdown on the ground with 22 rushing yards. San Francisco finished with 456 total yards in the game. They'd start off slow on offense as they had at one point had -2 total yards in the game. They would score 14 points each in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters. Jalen Hurts did the scoring in the game as the passer hit 26 of 45 passes for 298 yards with a touchdown pass to Devonta Smith. Jalen Hurts scored a touchdown on the ground from a tush push play. Both teams had 100-yard receiving days from Deebo Samuel with 116 yards on four catches and AJ Brown with 114 receiving yards with eight catches. Philadelphia's offense put up 333 total yards in the game. There was some controversy in the game as linebacker Dre Greenlaw got into a pointing match with Eagles security staffer Dom DiSandro which saw both gentlemen ejected from the game. For the 49ers, they move up to 9-3 and helped the rest of the NFC with the win over the Eagles. For the Eagles, they drop to 10-2 with a date against the Cowboys next week. 

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

TW: 8-3; CV: 9-2

Kansas City 19, Green Bay 27: TW: Packers; CV: Chiefs

The Packers survive against the defending champs. Patrick Mahomes hit 21 of 33 passes for 210 yards with a touchdown pass to Noah Gray. Mahomes did also toss an interception in this game. Isiah Pacheco carried the ball 18 times for 110 yards with a touchdown. Pacheco wouldn't finish the game as the running back was ejected after getting into an altercation. Travis Kelce caught four passes for 81 yards. For the record, Taylor Swift was in attendance in the game. Kansas City finished the game with 337 total yards in the game. Jordan Love played solid as he hit 25 of 36 passes for 267 yards with three touchdown passes. Christian Watson caught two and Ben Sims caught the one of the three touchdown passes from Love. AJ Dillon carried the ball 18 times for 73 yards. Green Bay finished with 382 total yards in the game. For the Chiefs, they drop to 8-4 but still have a hold on the AFC West. For the Packers, they get to 6-6 and play some .500 football and get to the 7th seed in the NFC playoffs. 

Next week:
Kansas City: vs Buffalo
Green Bay: @ NY Giants (Monday night)

TW: 9-3; CV: 9-3

Cincinnati 31, Jacksonville 28 (F/OT): TW: Jaguars; CV: Jaguars

Cincinnati pulls off the upset. Jake Browning got his 2nd career start in this game. He hit 32 of 37 passes for 354 yards with a touchdown pass but also got a touchdown run and put up 22 rushing yards. Ja'Marr Chase was the Bengals player that caught the pass from Browning Joe Mixon rushed for 68 yards with two touchdown runs of his own. All in all, the Bengals offense put up quite the show as they gained 491 total yards in the game. They didn't fall asleep that's for sure. Trevor Lawrence started this game for the Jaguars. The passer hit 22 of 29 passes for 258 yards with two touchdowns. Lawrence would also get a rushing touchdown in the game. He would ultimately leave the game after taking a huge hit and having his ankle stepped on. A possible PCL injury. Travis Etienne got 45 rushing yards with a touchdown run in this game. Jacksonville kept it a close game yardage wise finishing with 376 total yards. Two field goals paved the way towards the final result. The first was a 40-yard field goal by Brandon McManus that sent the game to overtime. The 2nd was a 48-yard field goal by Evan McPherson that came on the 2nd drive of the overtime period. For the Bengals, they reach 6-6 and aren't still dead in the AFC playoff picture. For the Jaguars, they miss an opportunity to get to the #1 seed in the AFC, instead they fall to 8-4.

Next week:
Cincinnati: vs Indianapolis
Jacksonville: @ Cleveland

TW: 9-4; CV: 9-4

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

Week 13: 9-4

Total: 109-84

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

Week 13: 9-4

Total: 119-74

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 13 Picks post! Enjoy your week!

-Tom