We have hit the second half of the NFL season when playoff scenarios start to arise. Although the New England Patriots won’t play football Sunday, there are some crucial games to watch. Week 13 includes classic matchups like the Bears playing the Packers and an NFC East rivalry between the Commanders and Giants. However, more importantly, the Patriots should keep their eye on three games. If you pick three teams to root for today, root for the Vikings, Raiders, and Chiefs.
Titans (7-4) at Eagles (10-1)
Two playoff teams will square off Sunday afternoon in an exciting interconference showdown. However, this isn’t an impactful game for the Patriots’ playoff chances. However, you always want to root for the NFC opponent. The Titans look like they’re going to win the AFC South, while the Eagles are fighting for the playoff bye. Go Philly!
Packers (4-8) at Bears (3-9)
Time for a divisional rivalry between two NFC North teams. The Patriots have played all four teams in the NFC North but only won once. They beat the Lions 29-0 in Week 5 of the NFL season. Since the Patriots lost to both the Packers and Bears, the strength of schedule does not enter the equation. However, if you are like me and rooting for the Packers’ downfall, Go Bears!
Jets (7-4) at Vikings (9-2)
This is one of three crucial games to keep your eye on. The Jets currently are third in the AFC East and own the seventh seed in the playoffs. If the Jets lose this week and next week, and New England wins in Arizona, the Patriots have a good chance of finding themselves in the playoffs. A Vikings win would be huge for the Patriots’ playoff chances. Go Vikings!
Commanders (7-5) at Giants (7-4)
Another Dvisonal contest is headed your way in Week 13, this time between two surprisingly good NFC East teams, with the seven-win Commanders and Giants. Coming into the 2022 season, most people did not have the NFC East as the best division, but all four teams are capable of making the playoffs. There’s no playoff impact on this game for New England, but go, Commanders.
Broncos (3-8) at Ravens (7-4)
This is another big game for Patriots fans to keep an eye on. The Ravens and Bengals are both competing for the number one spot in their division. However, the team who doesn’t get the division title will be fighting for a wildcard spot or could be out of playoff contention. So a Broncos win here could benefit the Patriots’ playoff chances. Go Broncos!
Steelers (4-7) at Falcons (5-7)
This is an easy game to pick, but not much to watch for via Patriots playoff hopes. The Steelers and Patriots played in Week 2 when the Patriots won their first game of the season 20-17. A Falcons’ win would help the Patriots’ strength of victory. Go Falcons!
Browns (4-7) at Texans (1-9-1)
The return of Deshaun Watson… in Texas. Watson will play his first game since his legal troubles, and his first game back is in his former stadium. I’m not rooting for Watson and the Browns today for many reasons, but more importantly, the Patriots beat the Browns earlier in the season, and an upset Texans win would help the Patriots’ strength of victory. Go Texans!
Jaguars (4-7) at Lions (4-7)
One of the more dull games of the week, between two four-win teams, has both teams looking towards next season. However, in this matchup, root for the Jaguars as the Patriots beat the Lions already, and you guessed it… strength of victory. Go Lions!
Dolphins (8-3) at 49ers (7-4)
Time for another big game for Patriots fans to keep their eye on as the 49ers and Dolphins square off. The Dolphins are currently in the hunt for the AFC East division title, and they should get into the playoffs no matter what. However, with a 49ers win, the Patriots’ playoff chances rise by 3%. Go 49ers!
Seahawks (6-5) at Rams (3-8)
Two NFC North teams with surprising records will play later this afternoon. The Seahawks and Rams look like their records swapped as the remaining Super Bowl Champions are only a three-win team, 12 weeks into the season. This game doesn’t affect the Patriots, but I’m rooting for Geno Smith and the Seahawks. Go Seahawks!
Chiefs (9-2) at Bengals (7-4)
This is one of the more, if not the, most exciting games to watch in Week 13 as two playoff teams square off in Cincinnati. As a Patriots fan, a Chiefs win would help the Patriots’ playoff chances. The Patriots and Bengals play each other on Christmas Eve, which should be a must-win if you want to get into the post-season. Go Chiefs!
Chargers (6-5) at Raiders (4-7)
Patriots fans, watch the TV for this contest between former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Justin Herbert and the Chargers. There are several reasons to root for the Raiders in this matchup. First, a Raiders would keep the Chargers out of the playoff bracket. Furthermore, the Patriots play the Raiders in Week 15, and a Raiders win could help the Patriots’ strength of schedule. Plus, root for McDaniels! Go Raiders!
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
