NFL WEEK 13 PREVIEW
CHARGERS (6-5) AT BENGALS (7-4)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Bengals by 31⁄2 Chargers’ keys: Prioritizing the run could insulate QB Justin Herbert. It could lull the Bengals into giving up big plays to WR Mike Williams. Bengals’ keys: Effective running can make a strong pass rush irrelevant, and make the connection between QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’marr Chase simpler.
CARDINALS (9-2) AT BEARS (4-7)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Cardinals by 71⁄2 Cardinals’ keys: QB Kyler Murray and WR Deandre Hopkins have a chance for success against a defense that’s been vulnerable in the passing game.
Bears’ keys: The pass rush has come alive, and it’s going to need to bring plenty of pressure if Chicago hopes to contain Murray.
BUCCANEERS (8-3) AT FALCONS (5-6) TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Bucs by 101⁄2 Buccaneers’ keys: Stop RB Cordarrelle Patterson. He rushed for 108 yards and two TDS in Week 12. Bucs QB Tom Brady should look to push the ball downfield.
Falcons’ keys: Atlanta needs to take care of the ball better. Over the last two weeks, three Atlanta quarterbacks have thrown five interceptions.
VIKINGS (5-6) AT LIONS (0-10-1)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Vikings by 61⁄2 Vikings’ keys: Detroit doesn’t have an answer for QB Kirk Cousins throwing to WRS Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen downfield.
Lions’ keys: The pass protection must hold up, but rookie RT Penei Sewell leads a capable offensive line and RB Jamaal Williams can keep the chains moving.
Hollywood skid ending?
The Rams have gone 0-3 since going ‘all in’ by trading for LB Von Miller and WR Odell Beckham Jr. Ending that slide will require better play from QB Matthew Stafford, whose stats have dipped:
Weeks 1-8 9-12
C-A Pct. TD-INT W-L 188-273 .689 22-4 7-1 78-127 .614 5-5 0-3 Source: Profootballreference.com
GIANTS (4-7) AT DOLPHINS (5-7)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Dolphins by 31⁄2 Giants’ keys: Take away Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite target, rookie wideout Jaylen Waddle, who has 77 receptions for 759 yards and four TDS.
Dolphins’ keys: Miami has won its last four games; last week’s was the first in which the offense and defense both performed well together.
EAGLES (5-7) AT JETS (3-8)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Eagles by 61⁄2 Eagles’ keys: QB Jalen Hurts has been inconsistent in racking up yards through the air, but that could change against an inexperienced and depleted secondary.
Jets’ keys: They will face a bottom-third defense without leading rusher Michael Carter. The Jets’ running backs may be the determining factor.
COLTS (6-6) AT TEXANS (2-9)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Colts by 91⁄2 Colts’ keys: RB Jonathan Taylor was bottled up in the first matchup of the season with Houston but still exploded with 145 yards and two TDS on 14 carries. Texans’ keys: RB Rex Burkhead has been featured, but rookies WR Nico Collins and TE Brevin Jordan need targets to supplement the run game.
JAGUARS (2-9) AT RAMS (7-4)
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Rams by 121⁄2 Jaguars’ keys: QB Trevor Lawrence will need to throw to his running backs and tight ends against the Rams’ linebackers, the weakest part of LA’S defense.
Rams’ keys: The Jaguars are decent against the run, so the Rams should trust QB Matthew Stafford to win by airing the ball out.
WASHINGTON (5-6) AT RAIDERS (6-5) TV: 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Raiders by 21⁄2 Washington’s keys: On defense, rush four and drop seven into coverage against Raiders QB Derek Carr. On offense, Washington should be able to run at will. Raiders’ keys: Las Vegas needs to win up front to protect Carr. DES Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue should have big days.
RAVENS (8-3) AT STEELERS (5-5-1)
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Ravens by 41⁄2 Ravens’ keys: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is one of the best athletes in the league, and his presence alone will create mismatches all over the field.
Steelers’ keys: The offense has become anemic and predictable with no punch or explosion from any of the skill players.
49ERS (6-5) AT SEAHAWKS (3-8)
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: 49ers by 31⁄2 49ers’ keys: With dual-threat star WR Deebo Samuel (groin) out, San Francisco will have to establish other options such as RB Elijah Mitchell early and get a lead. Seahawks’ keys: QB Russell Wilson has kept them competitive. If he plays like he did early this year, Seattle can compete with anyone.
BRONCOS (6-5) AT CHIEFS (7-4)
TV: 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday, NBC
Tipico Sportsbook line: Chiefs by 91⁄2 Broncos’ keys: Denver’s strength is the run and playaction passing game. If the Chiefs take a decent lead, the Broncos will be forced to throw to play catch-up. Chiefs’ keys: Don’t turn the ball over. The Denver defense has been opportunistic, so the Chiefs will need to play a clean game.
PATRIOTS (8-4) AT BILLS (7-4)
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN
Tipico Sportsbook line: Bills by 21⁄2 Patriots’ keys: QB Mac Jones and Co. need to protect the ball and not give the Bills extra chances. Defensively, coach Bill Belichick should scheme up everything to stop QB Josh Allen.
Bills’ keys: The safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer has to step up with CB Tre’davious White out (ACL).