Kenneth Cotterill
- Dec 4, 2020
- 5 min read

Top 5 Games To Watch - Week 13

Season Record (36-24)

Another week, another positive week of picks for the kid. We saw Patrick Mahomes shred the Tampa Bay defense while Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown bombs as the Packers crushed the Chicago Bears. We are now into the final third of the NFL season, which means it has become much clearer who the contenders and pretenders in the league are. Teams like Chicago who started fast have since fallen off, while the Steelers and Chiefs continue to roll and look like championship teams. All five games I picked this week have pretty major significance in the playoff outcomes of many divisions. So let's take a look at who made the cut.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (3-7-1) vs. Green Bay Packers (8-3)

The NFC Least has never looked worse than this year. Last week, Philadelphia managed to score just 17 points against a poor Seattle defense. Rookie QB, Jalen Hurts, has seen some snaps, mostly for situational plays, but it has caused some controversy for the Eagles. Carson Wentz has thrown 15 interceptions in just 11 games, which has fans questioning whether he should be their guy moving forward while they try to win the division. Aaron Rodgers, however, has been playing at an MVP caliber once again, throwing 33 touchdowns and just four picks.

Some people might say it is a no brainer that Green Bay will win this game handily, but with such major playoff implications for Philadelphia, I think they keep it close. The current nine-point spread seems steep for me, so I would take Green Bay to win this game, but not cover. We will likely see both Allen Lazard and Davante Adams get into the end zone, as I think Rodgers really wants that MVP. As for the 47.5 points total line, take the over, as I think Green Bay covers most of that on their own. Zach Ertz could also be back for Philadelphia, so that could help Wentz out as his safety blanket.

Green Bay 28 - Philadelphia 23

4. Indianapolis Colts (7-4) vs. Houston Texans (4-7)

Huge divisional game for the Indianapolis Colts as they march into Houston looking for a big win. The Colts were blown out by the Tennessee Titans last week, mostly due to being outrushed 229-56. Jonathon Taylor was missing from that game and could be back this week which will be a huge boost for the Colts offense. Houston lost Will Fuller this week due to a drug suspension, but at least they will be well-rested after their Thanksgiving game against Detroit. The offense was clicking in that game with Watson and the boys putting up 41 points.

This feels like a trap game to me. I think we see Deshaun Watson play spoiler in this game. Divisional games are always tough, no matter the opponent and we already saw Indy lose to Jacksonville in the opener so it is very much a possibility they do it again. No Fuller or Randall Cobb means that Brandin Cooks and Darren Fells could see quite a few throws going their way. Take the Texans to at worst cover +3 and also cover the 51 point line. Houston's defense will not do much to stop the Colts, so if the Texan's offense rolls like I think they will then the over will get smoked.

Houston 30 - Indianapolis 28

3. Buffalo Bills (8-3) vs. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)

San Francisco may have Nick Mullens at quarterback, but this is still a good football team. The defence is starting to get healthy again with Richard Sherman returning last week. And the rush-heavy offense is set to get a boost too, with the return of Raheem Mostert. The 49ers upset divisional rivals Los Angeles on the road last week, so they have the ability to beat good teams. Buffalo knocked off the Chargers last week in underwhelming fashion. Josh Allen had just 157 passing yards, but at least Devin Singletary got himself going with 82 yards on the ground.

I do not see Josh Allen being that poor again this week, but this will be a tough road test for them. They are currently just two-point favorites, which makes it tough to say that they will not cover. So take Buffalo to keep their lead in the AFC East with a win, but San Francisco will make it tough for them. The 48 point line is a concern for me, but I would still take the over. Do not bet on this game unless you absolutely have to.

Buffalo 27 - San Francisco 24

2. Los Angeles Rams (7-4) vs. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)

Another week of picks means another week of me picking an NFC West divisional game. Let's face it, this is the best and most competitive division in football right now so you should tune in every week. Both of these teams lost last week, as both quarterbacks struggled. Jared Goff threw no touchdowns and two picks as the Rams lost at home against the 49ers. Kyler Murray also threw no touchdowns and one interception, but he also only had 31 rushing yards in a loss to the Patriots.

This is the first meeting between these two this year and it should be an interesting matchup. Both teams seem to be very hot and cold at times, so this one is a real toss-up for me. I am taking Arizona because I think Murray will impact this game more than Goff will. The Cardinals are three-point underdogs, so take the +3 there. At 49.5, the point line is pretty low for two teams with this many weapons, which makes me believe the over will be hit, possibly before the fourth quarter. Tune in for fantasy purposes or if you just want to see a ton of points scored.

Arizona 31 - Los Angeles 27

1. Cleveland Browns (8-3) vs. Tennessee Titans (8-3)

I never thought I would see the day that the Cleveland Browns would be in my game of the week, but 2020 is a crazy year and here we are. The Browns have won three straight and four of the last five to put themselves in the AFC playoff picture. They edged out the lowly Jaguars last week and Jarvis Landry finally had a breakout game, which could be huge for them moving forward. Tennessee is also leading their division after demolishing Indianapolis last week thanks to Derrick Henry's three-touchdown performance.

This game is being broadcast as this high scoring, no defense game, but I just do not see it going down that way. Fifty-four points is a huge spread to cover, so I would take the under there all day long. And when it comes to Tennessee being six-point favorites, I would not bet on that at all. Cleveland is coming in with too much momentum to lose by a touchdown. So while I do think the Titans win, it will be by just a field goal. Lots of fantasy players involved here, solid offenses and average defenses make this my game to watch this week in the NFL.

Tennessee 27 - Cleveland 24

Looking to do some sports betting? Sign up for ThriveFantasy and use promo code BCMG for a FREE bonus of $20 when you deposit $20 or more!

Looking for more of Kenneth’s content? Check out his Instagram page here, his FB page here, and his podcast here!