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Estimated Reading Time: 23 minutes
We're diving into every matchup in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch, and injury news. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions kick things off on Thursday.
Click below to jump to a game:
GB@DET | KC@DAL | CIN@BAL | CHI@PHI | LAR@CAR | SF@CLE | HOU@IND | NO@MIA | ATL@NYJ | ARZ@TB | JAX@TEN | MIN@SEA | LV@LAC | BUF@PIT | DEN@WAS | NYG@NE
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions (-2.5)
Storyline of the game: Major playoff implications in the NFC North and wild-card race
The Packers (7-3-1) and Lions (7-4) have been battling atop the NFC North for the last few years, but heading into Week 13, both teams are currently battling it out for a wild-card spot in the NFC — and if the playoffs started today, the Lions would miss out. That makes this Thanksgiving game even more consequential.
The Packers (87.7 grade; 4th) and Lions (92.5 grade; 3rd) are two of the best overall teams in the NFL, with defenses that have stood up well in 2025. They’ll be swinging to knock each other out of the playoff picture.
Matchup to watch: Packers EDGE Micah Parsons vs. Lions T Penei Sewell
Micah Parsons (91.8 grade; 2nd) has given the Packers’ defense an injection of life in 2025. Parsons is third in pressures (60) and fourth in sacks (11) and has helped the Packers' defense become one of the top pass-rushing units in the league (81.3 grade; 5th).
He’s been inevitable throughout his career, but he came up short against Lions tackle Penei Sewell (95.9; 1st) in Week 1. Sewell allowed just one pressure to Parsons on 15 snaps, and was a rare bright spot on a tough day for Detroit. Their matchup is going to be must-watch TV once again.
Additional News
- Packers RB Josh Jacobs (knee) should be ready to go vs. the Lions.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Storyline of the game: Two teams on the playoff bubble, desperate for a win
The Chiefs and Cowboys both ripped off huge victories in Week 12 but remain on the outside looking in their respective conferences. The Chiefs are 6-5 with a 64% chance of making the playoffs, while the Cowboys are in a tougher spot, with a 5-5-1 record with just a 10% probability. Both offenses are rolling and are top 10 in EPA per play, while the Cowboys’ defense has improved since the trade deadline.
The Chiefs haven’t felt this sort of pressure in the Patrick Mahomes era, and a loss to a resurgent Cowboys could stonewall their playoff hopes.
Matchup to watch: Chiefs C Creed Humphrey vs. Cowboys DI Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams (86.7 grade; 3rd) has been a revelation in his two games for the Cowboys, recording 15 pressures, two sacks and a 90.8 overall PFF grade. With Williams in the interior, the Cowboys now have a bite that evaded them for most of the season, and that will be needed against Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (90.3 grade; 1st) in Week 13.
The Chiefs’ run game has quietly moved the ball well, ranking fourth in rushing EPA and seventh in success rate — and Humphrey’s dominance is a staple of that success. His 90.5 PFF run-blocking grade is first among centers, but Williams has the best PFF run-defense grade (90.8) among interior defenders.
Additional News
- Cowboys WR George Pickens (knee/calf) is questionable.
- Chiefs G Trey Smith (ankle) has been ruled out.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (-7)
Storyline of the game: Is this the Bengals' final stand?
With Joe Burrow set to make his return to the lineup, the Bengals’ playoff hopes are deep in the mud. They’re 3-8 with a less than 1% chance of making the postseason, and with a margin for error so thin that it’s translucent. The Bengals’ defense has been porous all season and is dead last in EPA per play allowed, but the offense has also struggled in the last two weeks, scoring just 30 total points.
A playoff run is nearly impossible for the Bengals given all the cards laid on the table. But with a win against the AFC North-leading Ravens with Burrow under center, and an unlikely win streak to follow it, there could be at least some blind hope.
Matchup to watch: Bengals’ run game vs. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton
This entire segment could be the Bengals’ offense vs. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (88.7 grade; 1st), but in recent weeks, the Bengals’ run game has been clicking. Since Week 7, Cincinnati is second in EPA per play and fourth in success rate, while Chase Brown’s 86.3 PFF rushing grade is third among running backs in that time.
Hamilton has been a destroyer of worlds at the line of scrimmage, and his 14 run stops are the most among safeties. In the last few weeks, Hamilton has played most of his snaps in the box — closer to the chaos where he can be around the ball, crashing and slashing through the line of scrimmage to create splash plays. He’ll try to be a nuisance once more.
Additional News
- Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson (hip) and WR Tee Higgins (concussion) have both been ruled out.
- Ravens S Kyle Hamilton (ankle) is questionable.
Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-7)
Storyline of the game: Can the Eagles’ defense slow down an ascending Bears offense?
The Bears’ offense is hot. Since Week 9, the start of their four-game win streak, the Bears are fourth in EPA per play and fifth in success rate, and Caleb Williams is third among quarterbacks with a 76.7 overall PFF grade.
The Bears are now 8-3 and lead the NFC North, and come face-to-face with an Eagles defense that has been an elite unit at times this season. Vic Fangio’s unit is seventh in EPA per play allowed and will look to bring to a halt the Bears’ momentum.
Matchup to watch: Bears T Darnell Wright vs. Eagles EDGE Jaelan Phillips
Chicago’s offensive line has been a revelation, and tackle Darnell Wright (77.5 grade; 15th) has been a central figure for the unit. Wright has allowed just 11 pressures in 2025 with a 4.1% pressure rate surrendered, and his 79.3 PFF run-blocking grade is ninth among tackles.
Wright will be put to the test against Eagles edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (71.4 grade; 35th) in Week 13. Phillips has 16 pressures in three games for the Eagles and has aided the efforts against the run. Since Week 10, Phillips’ first game with the team, the Eagles are third in EPA per play against the run.
Additional News
- Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson (hip) is questionable.
- Eagles RB Saquon Barkley (groin) is questionable.
Los Angeles Rams (-10.5) vs. Carolina Panthers
Storyline of the game: Will the Rams flatten another playoff hopeful?
The Rams are the team to beat in the NFL right now, with a 9-2 record and the top seed in the NFC. No squad has a better blend of offense and defense, and in the last three weeks, they’ve beaten the 49ers, Seahawks and Buccaneers — all teams on a playoff collision course. In that time, the Los Angeles offense is first in EPA, and Matthew Stafford has compiled a 91.4 overall PFF grade — first among quarterbacks.
The Panthers are 6-6, and likely don’t fit the same criteria as the Rams’ previous conquests. But, they’re chasing the playoffs all the same, and could run into a buzzsaw in Week 13.
Matchup to watch: Rams WR Davante Adams vs. Panthers CB Jaycee Horn
Rams receiver Davante Adams (83.5 grade; 8th) leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns (12) in his first season with the team, and has nine in his last five games. Until his latest score against the Buccaneers, Adams had eight consecutive touchdown grabs within five yards, but his game is more than just the touchdowns, as Adams averages 13.1 yards per reception and has six receptions of 20 yards or more.
Panthers corner Jaycee Horn (60.0 grade; 59th) will be in charge of Adams as the team’s top corner. He’s allowed just 27 receptions on 47 targets, but has given up 401 yards in coverage. Look for Stafford to challenge Horn deep down the field.
Additional News
- Panthers CB Corey Thornton (fibula) is out for the season.
San Francisco 49ers (-5) vs. Cleveland Browns
Storyline of the game: Can Myles Garrett edge closer to the sack record?
Even in a season of dysfunction and chaos, as is often the case in Cleveland, edge rusher Myles Garrett (93.3 grade; 1st) remains an omnipotent presence in opposing backfields. Garrett has 18 sacks in 11 games and is comfortably on pace to break the NFL’s single-season sack record of 22.5 sacks, set by Michael Strahan in 2001 and equalled by the Steelers’ T.J. Watt in 2021.
Garrett has 13 sacks in the last four games, and it’s not unreasonable to think that he could break the sack record in Week 13 against the 49ers. At the same time, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (65.2 grade; 28th) has the lowest pressure-to-sack rate in the NFL (5.5%).
Matchup to watch: 49ers’ pass rush vs. Browns’ offensive line
The Browns’ offensive line has performed its best impression of a five-man turnstile, allowing a 42.1% pressure rate (most in the NFL) and 25 sacks (third-most) in 2025. Shedeur Sanders was pressured on 57.1% of his dropbacks in his first career start against the Raiders in Week 12.
Though the 49ers’ pass rush (63.2 grade; 27th) only has a 43.0% pass-rush win rate (19th in the NFL), the unit will look to get after one of the worst offensive lines in the sport.
Additional News
- 49ers K Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) is questionable after missing Week 12.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts (-4.5)
Storyline of the game: Can the Texans close in on the Colts?
In recent weeks, the Houston Texans have begun to chip away at the Colts' lead in the AFC South. The Texans have won four of their last five games and are now 6-5 on the year, while the Colts still have a two-game lead at 8-3 — but have lost two of their last three contests.
The Indianapolis offense — which has dominated all season — is 15th in EPA per play in that span and looking to get its spark back. A Texans win could mix up the pot in the South before the two teams meet again in Week 18.
Matchup to watch: Texans WR Nico Collins vs. Colts CB Sauce Gardner
Moments like this are why the Colts traded two first-round picks to the Jets for Sauce Gardner (74.8 grade; 13th). Texans receiver Nico Collins (81.2 grade; 13th) started the season slowly. But over the last four weeks, Collins has found his groove, catching 19 passes for 283 yards while notching an 81.7 overall PFF grade.
Gardner is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, allowing just 15 receptions on 32 targets — the fifth-lowest completion percentage among corners — and has seven pass breakups in coverage. Since joining the Colts, he’s surrendered just 38 receiving yards in two games. Collins is as close to Julio Jones as there is in the NFL today, but Gardner can play on an island and is built for matchups like this.
Additional News
- Texans QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) should be ready to go after missing the last three games.
New Orleans Saints vs. Miami Dolphins (-6.0)
Storyline of the game: The Dolphins aim to make a late playoff push
The Dolphins’ current playoff odds sit at just 1%. Barely a raindrop in a storm, but a win against the 2-9 New Orleans Saints could, at least, make things interesting. The Dolphins are 4-7 and have the fourth-easiest remaining schedule, with matchups against the Saints, Jets and Bengals all still on the horizon.
If Miami can add to its two-game winning streak with a victory against the Saints in Week 13 — while hoping other results go their way — those playoff odds could bump just a little bit. The chances are slim, but since Week 8, the Dolphins are 12th in EPA per play on offense.
Matchup to watch: Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry vs. Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle
Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle (83.7 grade; 7th) has stepped back into the role of the top receiver seamlessly for Miami since Tyreek Hill’s injury. Waddle has caught 32 passes for 537 yards and three touchdowns since Hill’s exit, earning an 85.7 overall PFF grade — he’s helped revitalize an offense that looked down and out.
Saints corner Kool-Aid McKinstry (58.7 grade; 66th) has flashed in his second season in the NFL, but will likely struggle against the speedster. McKinstry has permitted the third-most receiving yards in coverage (520) in the NFL on 36 receptions, and has yielded seven touchdowns when targeted.
Additional News
- Dolphins TE Darren Waller (pectoral) had his practice window opened from injured reserve.
Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) vs. New York Jets
Storyline of the game: The development of the Falcons’ pass rushers
The Falcons’ defense started the season hot before settling back down into league average, but one thing that has improved across the board is the pass rush. For years, the Falcons struggled to consistently pressure and sack the quarterback, but they are 15th in pressure rate and fourth in sacks (40). Atlanta is getting to the quarterback at a league-average rate but is finishing well.
Some praise must go to their two rookie first-round picks, Jalon Walker (73.1 grade; 32nd) and James Pearce Jr. (57.3 grade; 89th). The two pass rushers have combined for 10 sacks and 46 pressures in their rookie seasons, and the ceiling is high. With little left to play for in 2025, watching the development of Pearce and Walker will be key for the Falcons.
Matchup to watch: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Jets’ run defense
Falcons star Bijan Robinson (83.1 grade; 5th) hasn’t quite dominated the rushing attack, thanks to the constant presence of Tyler Allgeier (72.2 grade; 22nd), but Robinson is so clearly one of the best running backs in the NFL. Robinson leads the league in missed tackles forced (52) and averages a slick 3.62 yards after contact per attempt, all while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He also has 20 rushes of 10 yards or more and 11 explosive runs in 2025.
The Jets’ run defense is sixth in success rate and has made life tough for opposing rushing attacks. But without Quinnen Williams, they’re not the same monster up front.
Additional News
- Falcons CB Billy Bowman Jr. suffered a torn Achilles in practice and will be out for the remainder of the season.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
Storyline of the game: Can the Buccaneers bounce back on offense?
After starting the season hot and looking like one of the best offenses in the NFL, the Buccaneers have stagnated. They’ve lost four of their last five games, and the offense (67.4 grade; 25th) has fallen to catastrophic levels during that span, placing 30th in EPA per play since Week 7.
Health, or a lack thereof, has been a big concern for the Buccaneers. The good news is that Bucky Irving (60.1 grade; 54th) will likely be back in the lineup in Week 13 against the Cardinals, and his presence in the backfield has been missed. Irving can’t change the fate of the offense by himself, but the Cardinals’ defense (61.5 grade; 21st) equally presents a bounce-back opportunity.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals TE Trey McBride vs. Buccaneers’ pass coverage
The Cardinals’ passing game has found some consistency with Jacoby Brissett (71.0 grade; 19th) under center, and his connection with Trey McBride (81.2 grade; 4th) has facilitated that improvement. McBride leads all tight ends in catches (80), yards (797) and touchdowns, and has proven to be a matchup issue for linebackers, safeties and nickels.
Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith (78.1 grade; 9th) has been excellent in coverage this season, earning a 69.7 PFF coverage mark. But, the Cardinals will attack all over the field with McBride.
Additional News
Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
Storyline of the game: The Jaguars are inconsistent, but keep finding ways to win
The Jaguars are 7-4 and in the thick of the playoff race, winning three of their last four games. As of now, their playoff odds sit at 74%. Despite the healthy chances, the Jaguars haven’t been all that consistent.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (68.7 grade; 22nd) has thrown the third-most interceptions (11) in the NFL, and the offense is 22nd in EPA per play. The Jacksonville defense has held its own and is eighth in EPA per play thanks to its propensity for forcing turnovers. Altogether, the general fight and hunger are helping the Jaguars win games in ways they haven’t in previous years. Can they keep it rolling against the 1-10 Tennessee Titans?
Matchup to watch: Jaguars EDGE Josh Hines-Allen vs. Titans T JC Latham
Through the first five games of the season, the Jaguars’ defense forced 14 turnovers, more than any other team in the NFL. That rate has slowed down, but the defense has still managed to make a sizable impact, in part thanks to Josh Hines-Allen (82.6 grade; 14th). Hines-Allen has 60 pressures (third-most) in the NFL, and a 19.9% pass-rush win rate —11th-highest among edge rushers.
He faces Titans tackle JC Latham (58.7 grade; 55th), who has surrendered 19 pressures and seven sacks in seven games in 2025. The Titans’ offensive line has allowed 35 sacks, the second-most in the NFL. The aim for the Jaguars is simple: Get after Cam Ward (59.1 grade; 36th)
Additional News
- Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) could return in Week 13 after missing the last three games.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks (-11.5)
Storyline of the game: Will the Seahawks’ defense flummox Max Brosmer?
With Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (52.6 grade; 37th) uncertain to play due to concussion, rookie Max Brosmer may be in line to make his first NFL start against the 8-3 Seahawks in Week 13. There aren’t many tougher spots for a quarterback to begin life in the NFL. The Seahawks’ defense is sixth in EPA per play allowed in 2025 while also ranking third in sacks (46) and fourth in pressure rate (41.7%).
The Vikings’ offensive line looked healthy against the Packers and provided a punch in the run game, but the Seahawks’ defense is going to get after Brosmer all game. Can the rookie handle the heat?
Matchup to watch: Vikings CB Byron Murphy Jr. vs Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
We’re witnessing a historic season from Jaxon Smith-Njigba (94.0 grade; 1st) in 2025. Smith-Njigba leads all receivers in catches (80) and yards (1,313) and is on pace to break the single-season receiving record. Everything Smith-Njigba touches turns into yards this season, and he has been an impossible cover for cornerbacks.
Vikings corner Byron Murphy (52.9 grade; 90th) will be the man to try and slow down Smith-Njigba. Murphy has allowed just 299 yards in coverage and has been targeted just 35 times, but Smith-Njigba has earned 104 targets this season. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (87.2 grade; 3rd) will let it rip his way no matter what.
Additional News
- Seahawks LBs Ernest Jones IV (knee) and LB Tyrice Knight (concussion) are questionable.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers (-9.5)
Storyline of the game: How will the Raiders’ offense look post-Chip Kelly?
The Raiders’ front office has had enough. After the 24-10 loss to the Browns in Week 12, the Raiders dropped to 2-9 on the season, and in turn, fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly — who was hired in the offseason. The offense looked in shambles under Kelly, and is 30th in EPA per play.
Las Vegas has had issues running the ball, failed to protect Geno Smith (62.4 grade; 31st) and has been unable to generate anything that looks like tangible offense in 2025. With Kelly out of the picture, Greg Olson has been appointed as the team’s new offensive coordinator. How will things look with him at the helm?
Matchup to watch: Raiders QB Geno Smith vs. Chargers’ pass rush
A big issue for the Raiders in 2025 is Smith’s ability to handle pressure. The veteran quarterback has been pressured on 39.4% of his dropbacks and has seen ghosts when under heat. His 35.5 overall PFF grade when pressured is fourth-lowest among quarterbacks, and his six interceptions are second-most.
The Chargers’ defensive front has pressured opposing quarterbacks on 36.1% of its dropbacks — the 17th-highest rate in the league. If the unit can get after Smith, it will be able to turn the tide of the game in Los Angeles’ favor.
Additional News
Buffalo Bills (-3.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Storyline of the game: The perfect time for the Bills to find some consistency
Recent weeks haven’t been kind to the Bills. Since beating the Chiefs in Week 9, the Bills have lost two of their last three games and fallen to 7-4 on the season. Their hopes of winning the AFC East have dwindled to just 19%, while signs of concern for the offense and defense have crept up.
The perfect time for the Bills to get back on track is in Week 13 against the Steelers, who themselves have slipped up in recent weeks, losing four of their last six showdowns. The Steelers will likely have Aaron Rodgers (61.3 grade; 34th) back under center in Week 13, but the offense is 18th since Week 7. That provides a platform for a lethargic Bills defense to mount some consistency.
Matchup to watch: Bills TE Dalton Kincaid vs. Steelers S Jalen Ramsey
The Bills have been without Dalton Kincaid (79.5 grade; 5th) for the last two weeks due to a hamstring injury, and have felt his lack of presence in the offense. Before Week 11, Kincaid was a significant part of the Bills’ attack, catching 29 passes for 448 yards and four touchdowns. The former first-round pick had become the resident big-play threat in the Bills’ offense, leading the team with 15.4 yards per reception.
If Kincaid is healthy and ready to go, he’ll provide a tough test for Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey (67.7 grade; 34th). Ramsey has allowed 34 receptions for 344 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. He’s still a force for the Steelers and occasionally flashes that elite play — but if Kincaid plays, Ramsey could be in trouble.
Additional News
Denver Broncos (-6.0) vs. Washington Commanders
Storyline of the game: Can the Broncos’ offense make an impact?
The story of the Broncos this season is a strange one. They’re 9-2 on the year and heading toward their first AFC West crown since 2015 with an elite defense (73.7 grade; 9th) to boot, but their status as contenders remains unconvincing. That’s due to the inconsistent and underwhelming play of the offense.
Through 13 weeks of the season, the Broncos’ offense is 29th in success rate, failing to create down-to-down consistency with Bo Nix (74.0 grade; 13th) under center. However, the unit looked good against the Chiefs in Week 11, posting a 43.5% success rate in the win. Sean Payton’s group takes on the Commanders in Week 13 — a defense that is 29th in success rate. Coming out of the bye, the Broncos’ offense will be looking to push on and alleviate any concerns moving forward.
Matchup to watch: Broncos’ pass rush vs. Commanders’ offensive line
The center of the Broncos’ success in 2025 has been their ability to rush the passer and create chaos in opposing backfields. With 57 sacks and a 41.9% pressure rate (second-highest) heading into Week 13, the Broncos are hoping to break the single-season sack record for a team. They’ll have a good chance to add to their total against the Commanders, who have allowed 17 sacks in 2025 — especially with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (78.6 grade; 9th) likely starting again.
Additional News
- Broncos CB Pat Surtain II (pectoral) is hoping to return vs. the Commanders.
New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (-7)
Storyline of the game: The Patriots’ pursuit of the top seed in the AFC
We’re 13 weeks into the season, and the New England Patriots have a 10-2 record, the best in the NFL. If the playoffs started in Week 13, the Patriots would own the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye. Their pursuit of the top slot continues against a plucky New York Giants team, who just took the Lions to overtime in Week 12.
The Patriots are seventh in EPA per play on offense, with Drake Maye (84.9 grade; 5th) firing on all cylinders. New England’s strength of schedule is 24th in the NFL, and the Patriots will be aiming to extend their lead atop the AFC before their Week 14 bye week.
Matchup to watch: Giants EDGE Brian Burns vs. Patriots T Vederian Lowe
With Patriots starting left tackle Will Campbell (71.3 grade; 29th) on IR for at least the next four games, tackle Vederian Lowe (43.8 grade) is the next man up to protect Maye’s blindside. That could create some issues for the Patriots, especially against the Giants edge rusher Brian Burns (76.7 grade; 24th).
Burns leads the team in pressures (39) and sacks (11) and will look to pin his ears back against the Patriots’ backup left tackle. It could be a long day for Lowe.
Additional News
- Patriots G Jared Wilson (ankle) is considered week-to-week.
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