Week 13 brings Thanksgiving football to center stage with three games on Thursday, plus a Black Friday matchup. This is the week where playoff races start getting real and every game matters more.
The holiday feast starts at 1:00 PM ET with Green Bay visiting Detroit, followed by Kansas City at Dallas at 4:30 PM. Cincinnati travels to Baltimore for the primetime Thanksgiving game at 8:20 PM. Black Friday features Chicago at Philadelphia at 3:00 PM on Amazon Prime.
Four teams are on bye this week: Carolina, New England, NY Giants and San Francisco.
NFL Week 13 Quick Picks
| Date | Matchup | Pick | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Nov 27 | Packers @ Lions | Lions | 31-24 |
| Thu, Nov 27 | Chiefs @ Cowboys | Chiefs | 27-20 |
| Thu, Nov 27 | Bengals @ Ravens | Ravens | 30-27 |
| Fri, Nov 28 | Bears @ Eagles | Eagles | 24-17 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Texans @ Colts | Colts | 28-24 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Jaguars @ Titans | Jaguars | 23-13 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Steelers @ Browns | Steelers | 20-17 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Saints @ Dolphins | Dolphins | 27-20 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Falcons @ Jets | Falcons | 24-20 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Cardinals @ Buccaneers | Buccaneers | 27-23 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Rams @ Panthers | Rams | 31-17 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Vikings @ Seahawks | Seahawks | 24-21 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Bills @ Steelers | Bills | 27-20 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Raiders @ Chargers | Chargers | 30-13 |
| Sun, Nov 30 | Broncos @ Commanders | Broncos | 23-17 |
| Mon, Dec 1 | Giants @ Patriots | Patriots | 24-14 |
We also made a Free Printable NFL Week 13 Pick’em Sheet for you. Hope you enjoy it.
Note: These picks were made in advance. We’ll release our final Week 13 predictions after all Week 12 games are completed.
Thanksgiving Day Games
Green Bay Packers (6-3-1) @ Detroit Lions (6-3-1)
Thursday, November 27, 1:00 PM ET | FOX
This is the Thanksgiving rematch everyone’s been waiting for. Green Bay dominated Detroit 35-0 in Week 1, and you know the Lions haven’t forgotten. They’ve been thinking about this game for three months.
The Packers are banged up on offense. They’ve lost Tucker Kraft, Jayden Reed, and Josh Jacobs to injuries. They’re averaging just 15 points over the last three weeks, which isn’t going to cut it in a shootout.
Detroit’s playing at home in Ford Field where they’re dangerous. Yes, they struggled in Philly’s weather last week, but Jared Goff is a different quarterback in that dome. The Lions need this win to stay ahead in the NFC North race.
The Packers’ defense will make plays, but Detroit’s offense at home is too much. The Lions get their revenge on Thanksgiving.
Pick: Lions 31, Packers 24
Kansas City Chiefs (5-5) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1)
Thursday, November 27, 4:30 PM ET | CBS
The Chiefs are in must-win territory at 5-5. They’ve lost to Denver and fallen behind in the playoff race. Dallas looked better Monday night against the Raiders, but that’s the Raiders.
Kansas City hasn’t played on Thanksgiving since 2006. Patrick Mahomes needs to shake off whatever’s been wrong this season. The Chiefs offense has been inconsistent and can’t find explosive plays.
Dallas looked rejuvenated with Quinnen Williams on defense and the return of key players. Dak Prescott threw four touchdowns, and George Pickens went off. But facing Mahomes and the Chiefs is different than facing Geno Smith.
The Cowboys will keep it close at home, but Kansas City’s desperate. When the Chiefs need a win, they usually find a way to get it. Mahomes does enough in the fourth quarter.
Pick: Chiefs 27, Cowboys 20
Cincinnati Bengals (3-7) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
Thursday, November 27, 8:20 PM ET | NBC
These two played instant classics last year. Both games featured wild finishes and 148 combined points. Joe Burrow’s been targeting Week 13 as a potential return date from his injury, so hopefully we get him.
Baltimore’s at 5-5 and fighting for their playoff lives. Lamar Jackson’s been solid, but the Ravens need consistent wins. Cincinnati’s basically done at 3-7, but division games hit different.
Even if Burrow plays, he won’t be 100 percent. The Ravens defense has been playing better lately, allowing just one passing touchdown over their last three games. Baltimore needs this win more and they’re at home.
This should be another high-scoring affair. The Ravens pull it out late.
Pick: Ravens 30, Bengals 27
Black Friday
Chicago Bears (7-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)
Friday, November 28, 3:00 PM ET | Prime Video
Black Friday football on a short week. The Bears are 7-3 but haven’t looked dominant lately. Ben Johnson’s doing a nice job, but asking a rookie head coach to win on a short week at Philly is tough.
Philadelphia’s defense dominated Detroit last week. They held the Lions to one touchdown in brutal conditions and showed they’re for real. The Eagles are 8-2 and control the NFC East.
Chicago’s offense can score, but the Eagles defensive line will give them problems. Philly runs the ball well with Saquon Barkley, though they haven’t used him enough. The home crowd on Black Friday gives them extra juice.
The Bears hang around early, but Philly pulls away in the second half.
Pick: Eagles 24, Bears 17
Sunday 1:00 PM ET Games
Houston Texans (5-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
Big AFC South matchup. The Colts are rolling at 8-2, two games clear of everyone else in the division. Houston’s at 5-5 after winning two straight with Davis Mills, but they’re three games back.
Jonathan Taylor’s playing at an MVP level for Indy. The Colts offense is balanced and efficient. Houston’s defense is elite—best in the NFL against the pass—but stopping Taylor on the ground is the challenge.
C.J. Stroud should be back for Houston after missing time in concussion protocol. That’s huge for them. But even with Stroud, beating the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium is a tall order.
Indianapolis has been one of the season’s biggest surprises. They keep rolling at home.
Pick: Colts 28, Texans 24
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) @ Tennessee Titans (1-9)
The Jaguars blew that massive lead against Houston and need to bounce back. Tennessee’s the worst team in football at 1-9. This should be a get-right game for Jacksonville.
Trevor Lawrence got destroyed by Houston’s pass rush, but Tennessee can’t generate that kind of pressure. The Titans offense has no weapons, and their defense gets beaten up weekly.
Jacksonville should control this from start to finish. The Jaguars need this win to stay in the playoff hunt.
Pick: Jaguars 23, Titans 13
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) @ Cleveland Browns (2-8)
AFC North battle. The Steelers are 6-4 and leading the division. Aaron Rodgers might be back from his wrist injury, or Mason Rudolph starts again. Cleveland’s at 2-8 with a bottom-tier offense.
The Browns are making a change at playcaller, giving Tommy Rees the duties instead of Kevin Stefanski. They’re hoping it sparks something. Myles Garrett’s still wreaking havoc with 15 sacks, but that’s about all Cleveland has going.
Pittsburgh’s defense should contain Cleveland’s limited offense. The Steelers grind out division road wins like this.
Pick: Steelers 20, Browns 17
New Orleans Saints (6-4) @ Miami Dolphins (4-7)
The Saints are 6-4 and hanging around in the NFC South race. Miami’s at 4-7 after that overtime win in Madrid against Washington. Tua Tagovailoa’s been better lately but still makes mistakes.
New Orleans’ defense has been playing well. The Saints can run the ball and control the clock. Miami’s defense has been terrible all season—allowing the highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks.
The Dolphins at home in warm weather is always tricky, but the Saints are the better team right now.
Pick: Dolphins 27, Saints 20
Atlanta Falcons (5-5-1) @ New York Jets (2-8)
The Falcons are 5-5-1 after that overtime loss to Carolina. They’re exhausted after playing two straight OT games and traveling overseas. But they’re facing a Jets team that’s completely checked out at 2-8.
New York’s a disaster. Aaron Rodgers might not even play. The Jets have no run game, no receiving threats without Garrett Wilson, and a defense that’s given up.
Atlanta’s not playing great, but they should handle the Jets. New York’s lost all fight.
Pick: Falcons 24, Jets 20
Arizona Cardinals (5-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4)
Kyler Murray’s done for the season, so Jacoby Brissett’s running the Cardinals offense. Brissett threw an NFL-record 47 passes last week against San Francisco. Arizona’s at 5-4 and fighting for a wild card spot.
Tampa Bay’s 6-4 but lost two straight, including that blowout to Buffalo. The Bucs are dealing with receiver injuries that limit Baker Mayfield’s options. Their defense gave up 44 to the Bills.
Home field matters here. The Bucs need to stop the slide and protect their division lead. Tampa Bay’s got more talent when healthy.
Pick: Buccaneers 27, Cardinals 23
Los Angeles Rams (8-2) @ Carolina Panthers (4-7)
The Rams are rolling at 8-2 after beating Seattle to take the NFC West lead. Matthew Stafford’s playing like an MVP. Carolina’s 4-7 but playing competitive football under Bryce Young’s improvement.
This feels like a trap game for LA. They’re coming off a big divisional win, traveling cross-country, and facing a Panthers team that’s won four of six. But the talent gap is too big.
The Rams offense should have no trouble with Carolina’s defense. Stafford spreads it around to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, and LA pulls away.
Pick: Rams 31, Panthers 17
Sunday Afternoon Games
Minnesota Vikings (6-3-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (7-3)
Sunday, November 30, 4:05 PM ET | FOX
NFC battle between two playoff contenders. The Vikings are 6-3-1 but J.J. McCarthy’s still learning. Seattle’s 7-3 after that brutal loss to the Rams where Sam Darnold threw four picks.
Darnold needs to bounce back and protect the football. The Seahawks defense has been solid, and playing at Lumen Field gives them an edge. Minnesota’s defense is strong, but the offense hasn’t been consistent.
Seattle should rebound at home. Darnold makes smarter decisions, and the Seahawks get back on track.
Pick: Seahawks 24, Vikings 21
Buffalo Bills (7-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
Sunday, November 30, 4:25 PM ET | CBS
This feels like a playoff preview. Buffalo’s 7-3 and Josh Allen’s playing MVP-level football. Pittsburgh’s 6-4 and solidly in the playoff picture.
The Steelers defense will make things tough for Allen, but Buffalo’s offense has too many weapons. The Bills are rolling after dropping 44 on Tampa Bay. Pittsburgh’s been solid at home, but this is a tough matchup.
Buffalo’s the more complete team right now. The Bills win a close one on the road.
Pick: Bills 27, Steelers 20
Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) @ Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
Sunday, November 30, 4:25 PM ET | CBS
The Chargers are 7-4 and firmly in the playoff hunt. The Raiders are 2-8 and spiraling after getting demolished by Dallas. This should be a blowout.
LA’s defense has been excellent, especially against the pass. Geno Smith will struggle against that secondary. The Chargers offense can exploit Vegas’s weak defense.
Los Angeles takes care of business at home.
Pick: Chargers 30, Raiders 13
Sunday Night Football
Denver Broncos (9-2) @ Washington Commanders (3-8)
Sunday, November 30, 8:20 PM ET | NBC
Wait, this is Sunday Night Football? Denver’s 9-2 and tied for the best record in football. Washington’s 3-8 and has lost four straight by at least 20 points each.
Jayden Daniels has been out with an elbow injury and might not play. The Commanders defense is the worst in the league. They’ve been getting destroyed weekly.
This might get flexed out, but if it doesn’t, Denver wins easily. Bo Nix and the Broncos offense should put up big numbers. Washington’s defense can’t stop anyone.
Pick: Broncos 23, Commanders 17
Monday Night Football
New York Giants (3-7) @ New England Patriots (9-2)
Monday, December 1, 8:15 PM ET | ESPN
The Patriots are 9-2 and one of the league’s best stories. Drake Maye’s playing like a rookie of the year candidate. The Giants are 3-7 and getting blown out regularly.
Jameis Winston or Jaxson Dart will start for Detroit—wait, that’s not right. For the Giants, it doesn’t matter much. New England’s defense has been dominant lately. The Pats have won five straight.
New York has no answer for Maye and this Patriots team. New England keeps rolling at home.
Pick: Patriots 24, Giants 14
Week 13 Storylines to Watch
Thanksgiving always brings extra storylines. The Lions-Packers rematch tops the list—Detroit’s been waiting three months to avenge that 35-0 drubbing. The Lions are healthier now and playing at home where they’re dangerous. Green Bay’s dealing with multiple offensive injuries that have limited their scoring.
The Chiefs playoff hopes hang in the balance at 5-5. Kansas City hasn’t looked like themselves all season. The explosive plays are gone, and Mahomes seems off. They need this win at Dallas to stay relevant. The Cowboys showed life Monday night, but can they sustain it against elite competition?
Joe Burrow’s potential return for Cincinnati makes the Thanksgiving night game must-watch. The Bengals-Ravens rivalry always delivers entertainment. Both teams played classics last year with crazy finishes. Baltimore desperately needs wins at 5-5 to make the playoffs.
Black Friday brings a short-week challenge for Chicago and Philadelphia. The Bears are 7-3 under rookie head coach Ben Johnson, but asking him to win on three days rest at Philly is tough. The Eagles defense looked dominant against Detroit and should give Chicago’s offense problems.
The Colts-Texans matchup determines AFC South positioning. Indianapolis has shocked everyone at 8-2, while Houston’s fighting to stay relevant at 5-5. C.J. Stroud should return from concussion protocol, which makes Houston much more dangerous. Jonathan Taylor’s MVP-level play for Indy will be the key factor.
The Broncos-Commanders Sunday night game might get flexed. Washington’s lost four straight by 20-plus points and Jayden Daniels remains out. Denver’s 9-2 and tied for the league’s best record. This could be ugly if it stays in primetime.
Individual storylines include Matthew Stafford’s MVP push with the Rams, Drake Maye’s continued excellence for New England, and Myles Garrett chasing the single-season sack record. Christian McCaffrey faces Carolina again after the Rams handled the Panthers earlier this season.
Key Injuries
C.J. Stroud’s return from concussion protocol changes Houston’s offense dramatically. Aaron Rodgers’ wrist injury status impacts Pittsburgh’s game plan against Cleveland. Jayden Daniels remains doubtful for Washington with his elbow injury.
Green Bay’s dealing with multiple offensive injuries—Tucker Kraft, Jayden Reed, and Josh Jacobs are all out. Tampa Bay’s wide receiver corps remains depleted. Joe Burrow’s targeting this week for his return but may not be 100 percent.
Keep checking injury reports—Thanksgiving week makes everything compressed and players have less recovery time.
Playoff Picture Impact
The Lions-Packers game is huge for NFC North positioning. The Colts can extend their AFC South lead over Houston. Buffalo wants to keep pace in the AFC East with New England. The Ravens need wins to stay in the playoff hunt at 5-5.
The Seahawks-Vikings game impacts NFC wild card seeding. The Steelers-Bills matchup could determine playoff positioning in both conferences. The Rams want to extend their NFC West lead while the Cardinals fight for a wild card spot.
Kansas City’s season hangs in the balance. At 5-5, another loss puts them in a massive hole. The Chiefs need to win out basically to make the playoffs at this point.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Week separates contenders from pretenders. The Lions get revenge against Green Bay. The Chiefs fight for their playoff lives in Dallas. The Ravens keep their season alive against Cincinnati.
Short weeks create challenges, especially for teams traveling. The Eagles should handle Chicago on Black Friday. The Colts extend their surprising season by beating Houston.
Monday night closes with the Patriots continuing their remarkable run. New England’s 9-2 start has been one of 2025’s best stories. Enjoy the holiday football!
Note: All game times Eastern Time. Information current as of November 18, 2025.
