Daddy’s Hangout 2017 Week 13 NFL Predictions

Welcome to Week 13 of NFL season as we have some key matchups this weekend. Last week, things started out bad when I lost the first two games on Thanksgiving. Fortunately, things turned around as I finished with a four-game winning streak. My overall record jumps to 46-35, which boosts my winning percentage from 56 to 56.8%. This weekend features a couple of possible playoff match-ups in the NFC. The Atlanta Falcons will host the NFC North leading Minnesota Vikings. In the Sunday night game, the Seattle Seahawks will host the NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles. With a total of seven games I’ll be predicting this week, things should be interesting. Let’s Get Started!!

We kick things off with the Thursday night game between two NFC East rivals. The Dallas Cowboys will host the Washington Redskins with both in desperate need of a win. Washington is still in playoff contention as they sit two games behind the Wild Card leader. Washington is coming off a win after dropping four of their last five games, which include a lost to Dallas. Can the Redskins end their skid against the Cowboys? This will be the fourth game the Cowboys will be without Ezekiel Elliott. In those games, Dallas is on a 3-game losing streak and they’ve been outscored 92-22 and Dak has turned the ball over too much. Can the Cowboys rebound and end their losing streak? I’m going with Dallas to continue their winning ways over Washington.

Dallas Win 24-20

This is one of the premier matchups of the weekend with playoff implications. The Atlanta Falcons host the Minnesota Vikings in what could be a playoff preview. Minnesota is one of the hottest teams in the NFL as they’re riding a seven-game winning streak. During the winning streak, the defense is giving up a little over 17 points a game. The offense has scored at least 20 points during this winning streak and they’re going to need to score against this Falcons team. After dropping four out of five games, Atlanta is riding a three-game winning streak. Last week, Julio Jones went off against Tampa Bay as it seems like he’s getting healthy at the right time. I’m going with Atlanta to continue their winning ways and end the Vikings streak.

Atlanta Win 27-24

We head to the AFC as this game features a pair of AFC East foes. The Buffalo Bills host the New England Patriots in a battle between the only team with winning records in their division. With a win, New England can clinch another division title. Tom Brady is enjoying another MVP-like season and now the defense is now playing at a championship level. They will play the Bills twice in a four-week span, but can they clinch the division this weekend? Honestly, Buffalo would be only two-games behind the Patriots if they didn’t bench Tyrod Taylor against the Chargers. Buffalo is currently tied for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC and they need to continue winning. New England is on a roll, but I’m going with the upset and think the Bills win.

Buffalo Win 27-17

This is a battle between two teams with playoff ambitions who’s headed in the opposite direction. The Detroit Lions will travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens in a tough matchup. Detroit had their three-game winning streak snapped by Minnesota last week. Once again, Matthew Stafford is forced to lead the offense without a true running game. They are currently a game out of the Wild Card and need to win to have a chance. Baltimore is turning things around at the right time as the playoffs get near. They have won three of their last four games and they have their defense to thank. The Ravens defense gives up 17 points a game, which ranks 2^nd in the league and I think they’ll beat the Lions.

Baltimore Win 23-20

This is another game that features a matchup between top teams. The New Orleans Saints will host their division rival, Carolina Panthers in a battle for the lead in the NFC South. Carolina is riding a 4-game winning streak. The Panthers are starting to use their rookie RB Christian McCaffrey more and it has paid dividends. Everything still revolves around Cam Newton as the Panthers are hoping to get healthier in time to make a run at the playoffs. The Saints are coming off a lost to the Rams which ended their 8-game winning streak. New Orleans was one of the hottest teams in the league and their own rookie RB Alvin Kamara is quickly becoming a star. Can the Saints beat the Panthers again? I’m rolling with the Saints to win this game.

New Orleans Win 34-24

This is the Sunday night game as the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Seattle Seahawks. Philadelphia is the hottest team in the league as they’re riding a 10-game winning streak. The Eagles currently have the best record in the NFL and hold a one-game lead over the Vikings in the NFC. Carson Wentz is widely considered as the frontrunner for MVP honors. The defense of the Eagles is what have lead them; can they contain Russell Wilson? Speaking of MVP candidates, Russell Wilson has to be considered seeing the kind of year he’s having. On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks are still without Chancellor and Sherman for the rest of the year. I’m going with the Seahawks to find a way to upend the Eagles.

Seattle Win 24-23

The final game of the week is the Monday night game. The Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to Cincinnati to face their rival Bengals. Pittsburgh is riding a 6-game winning streak and tied with the Patriots for the best record in the AFC. The Steelers are coming off a tough hard-fought win against the Packers where Antonio Brown showed out. Man won’t include him, but Antonio Brown should be in consideration for league MVP. Cincinnati has had a very tumultuous season filled with many ups-and-downs. Since the Bengals most likely won’t make the playoffs, can they ruin Pittsburgh’s pursuit of homefield advantage? I’m riding with the Steelers to continue their winning ways.