Week 13 NFL Preview

December 2, 2016

Every week Andrew, Obaid, Jacob, and Nithin will be previewing four primetime NFL games and giving predictions. Then they will pick their fantasy football sleepers for the game, players who aren’t widely owned but can potentially make a big impact. They will also be predicting the winners of every game under the Pick’em section, and they will keep a record for correct predictions over the weeks.

Vikings (6-5) vs Cowboys (10-1): Thursday, 7:25 PM on NFL Network/NBC, U.S. Bank Stadium

Thursday night features a game between two teams going in opposite directions. The Cowboys have won 10 in a row, and they seem unbeatable. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have both put themselves in the conversation for MVP, and one of them is likely to at least win Rookie of the Year. The only reason the Cowboys may struggle is because of the Minnesota defense. The Vikings are allowing the second least amount of points this season, and dominated opponents in the first half of the season. However, the Vikings offense has been so atrocious that they may not be able to give enough support to that defense to give the Vikings a fighting chance. I think the Cowboys win by double digits.

Cowboys 27 – Vikings 13

Fantasy Sleeper: Matt Asiata (owned in 44.8 % of ESPN Leagues)

This game features many fantasy producers for the Cowboys, but few for the Vikings. This is in part because the Vikings offense has struggled. However, when the Vikings get in the redzone they give the ball to one man, Matt Asiata. Asiata does not gain a lot of yards usually, but he can be reliable to get a goal line TD.

Packers (5-6) vs Texans (6-5): Sunday, December 4, 12:00 PM on CBS, Lambeau Field

These two teams have had mediocre seasons, as their records can attest to. The Texans have fallen to 6-5 and are clinging on to their division lead of the AFC South. The Packers meanwhile are chasing the Detroit Lions in the NFC North. Both teams need a win if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive and well, but these teams have been plagued with bad play on different sides of the ball. The Packers’ offense has been fine, and QB Aaron Rodgers has found his groove. However, the defense is still abysmal, and their pass defense is especially prone to giving up big plays. The Texans are hoping that this bad defense will help solve their problems, as the Texan’s offense has been bad this year. With deep threats, such as Will Fuller and Deandre Hopkins, the Texans are hoping QB Brock Osweiler can deliver. With a solid defense, the Texans should pull out a win in a close game.

Texans 28 – Packers 24

Sleeper: Will Fuller (Owned in 45.4% of ESPN Leagues)

As stated earlier, Will Fuller is a speedy WR that has the ability to get behind the Packers secondary for a big gain. One play and Fuller could explode, consider him as a FLEX play if your team has byes or injuries.

Seahawks (7-3-1) vs Panther (4-7): Sunday, December 4, 7:30 PM on NBC, CenturyLink Field

Panthers struggles continue as they lost in a very close game 35-32 against the Raiders. The chances of the Panthers making the playoffs are extremely slim and are really only

playing for pride now. The Seahawks come off a lose to the Buccaneers. It was a very defensive game where the Seahawks were unable to score a touchdown. Their offense has been pretty inconstant this season. The Seahawks are still trying to chase the number 1 seed as they are 2 and half games behind the Cowboys. Their only chance for that is to win out and hope the cowboys lose. The Seahawks are home and should have no issue winning this game.

Seahawks 24 – Panthers 13

Sleeper: Jermaine Kearse (owned in 2.4% of ESPN leagues)

Panthers secondary has struggled throughout the season and with most of the attention being on Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham I see Kearse stepping up and helping this offense getting back

Jets (3-8) vs Colts (5-6): Monday, December 5, 7:30 PM on ESPN, MetLife Stadium

This Monday night matchup between the Colts and Jets is a rematch from last year where the Jets walked out of Lucas Oil Stadium with a convincing 20-7 victory. This season however, times have changed and the Jets have already been eliminated from postseason contention. The Colts on the other hand have plenty to play for as they’re only a game back of the division leading Houston Texans in the AFC South. I predict the Colts will win this one pretty convincingly mainly because Andrew Luck will be returning from his concussion. Although the Colts are 30th in the league in yards against with 395, I don’t see this to be too much for the Colts as they’re playing a mediocre Jets offense that averages 335 yards a game, 22nd in the league. If Andrew Luck can play up to his potential, the Colts will surely win this one.

Colts 30 – Jets 20

Fantasy Sleeper: Quincy Enunwa (owned in 45.1% of ESPN leagues)

Playing a dreadful Colts defense, look for Enunwa to get plenty of targets. He’s got plenty of momentum coming off of a good performance against the Patriots, so look for him to continue that success Monday night.

Pick’em picks:

Overall record

Obaid: 67-44-2

Andrew: 65-46-2

Nithin: 63-48-2

Jacob: 63-48-2

Last week’s record:

Obaid: 10-6

Andrew: 10-6

Nithin: 13-3

Jacob: 12-4

Vikings vs Cowboys